Good Samaritan Tip Nabs Fatal Felony Hit-and-Run Unlicensed Driver
Photo: Juan Carlos Alcantara
SANTA ANA – An anonymous Good Samaritan called in crucial information to nab an unlicensed hit-and-run driver.
First of all, Santa Ana PD received a 5:25 AM 911 call Friday of a downed pedestrian in the roadway of Bristol St. near Central St. A car struck an unknown black male dressed in black as he lay in the middle lane.
The horrified caller described the car as gray or tan, last seen heading north on on Bristol. Arriving officers encountered the non-responsive victim in the #1 northbound lane of Bristol. OC Fire Authority arrived immediately and pronounced the pedestrian deceased at the scene.
Less than an hour later, a Good Samaritan called dispatch, asserting she knew the person involved in the collision. The anonymous female provided the name of the driver, Juan Carlos Alcantara (47) of Santa Ana. She also provided the license plate number and an address to locate the car.
As a result, the SAPD Traffic Investigations Unit (CIU) headed to both the suspect’s home and the collision scene. The preliminary investigation revealed the vehicle had struck the victim, then stopped briefly before leaving the area.
Alcantara provided a voluntary blood sample and is believed to not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the fatal collision. Forensic toxicology analysis will determine the pedestrian’s sobriety during the OC Coroner’s autopsy.
Finally, CIU arrested and charged Alcantra with hit & run Felony and unlicensed driver. SAPD asks anyone possibly having information about this collision to contact the Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200.
