LOS ANGELES, CA – A 42-year-old woman from Colorado, identified as Jazmin Castillo, was fatally struck in a hit-and-run collision on Tuesday night in East Los Angeles.
Authorities reported the incident occurred shortly before 11 p.m. near the intersection of Atlantic and Olympic boulevards. Castillo was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The California Highway Patrol later located a red Toyota Celica suspected in the involvement of the crash parked at Commerce Casino, where an arrest was made. The identity of the suspect is withheld pending further investigation.
Pedestrian safety continues to be a pressing concern as the Governors Highway Safety Association reports a significant rise in pedestrian deaths, reaching the highest number in over 30 years. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than one hit-and-run accident occurs every minute across the nation.
Experts emphasize the importance of examining all contributing factors in pedestrian accidents, including road conditions, signage, and lighting. Legally, drivers are reminded of their duty to yield to pedestrians, whether they are crossing at marked crosswalks or not.
