Photo: Stock Image
On June 8, 2024, at 9:44 PM, emergency personnel from Moorpark Police, Ventura County Fire, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a traffic collision at the intersection of Los Angeles Avenue and Tierra Rejada Road in Moorpark.
The ensuing investigation revealed that a Honda Odyssey minivan, traveling west on Los Angeles Avenue, was struck by a northbound Ford Explorer that ran a red light. The collision resulted in serious injuries to the minivans’ occupants, who were transported to an area hospital for treatment. According to Ventura County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. Shawn Holzberger, “the driver of the Ford Explorer fled the scene.”
While Moorpark patrol deputies searched for the Ford Explorer, a resident on the 100 block of 2nd Street flagged them down. The resident reported that a Ford Explorer, matching the description from the earlier collision, had “struck their dog and fled the area.” The dog was taken to an emergency vet clinic but succumbed to its injuries.
Deputies later found the unoccupied Ford Explorer parked in the 200 block of Ruth Avenue. The vehicle had significant damage consistent with the earlier collision.
Evidence inside the vehicle identified Moorpark resident Jesus Sanchez Valencia, 29, as the driver, and on the evening of June 14th Sanchez Valencia was contacted by detectives, whereupon he was promptly arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail where he was charged with felony and misdemeanor hit and run.
