Car Strikes Woman Crossing South Coast Highway, Driver Sought

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A hit-and-run driver struck a woman crossing South Coast Highway in a marked crosswalk, police reported. The woman had just started crossing South Coast Highway when she was struck by a blue 2003 Mustang.

The Mustang's driver, a 31-year-old San Diego area man, continued southbound.

"The initial investigation revealed the pedestrian was crossing from the southwest corner of Cleo Street and South Coast Highway to the southeast corner," Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jim Cota said. The walk signal was illuminated, according to witnesses.

The suspect vehicle was made a left turn from Cleo Street onto southbound South Coast Highway, where the car struck the woman in the crosswalk.

Upon impact, the woman rolled onto the blue car's hood before coming to rest in the roadway. The driver of the blue vehicle fled the scene, heading south, leaving the injured woman behind.

"She suffered lacerations to her elbow and ankle, and complained of head pain," Cota said. Paramedics took her to Mission Hospital-Mission Viejo, where she was treated for her injuries.

The southbound lanes of South Coast Highway were shut down at Legion Street for approximately 30 minutes after the crash.

"A search of city cameras by LBPD Dispatchers revealed a possible license plate of the suspect vehicle with an address in San Diego," Cota said.

San Diego PD responded to the address and located the vehicle with traffic collision damage.
San Diego police detained the registered owner, Lorenzo Velazquezurbano, and impounded the vehicle for evidence, according to Cota.

LBPD Detectives are responding to San Diego for follow-up and taking custody of the suspect and vehicle.

This is a developing report. Please refresh for the latest information.