Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD Investigating Fatal Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Collision

Deceased: Johanna Vargas (27) Santa Ana

On 10/24/2017, at approximately 11:22 pm, officers responded to the scene of a vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic collision in the 3600 block of West First Street (near Santa Anita Park). Officers located a 27-year old female pedestrian, Johanna Vargas, suffering from major head trauma as result of the collision. The Orange County Fire Authority responded to the scene and transported the victim to UCI medical center to be treated. The victim succumbs to her injuries at the hospital.

The SAPD Major Collision Team responded to the scene to take over the investigation. Based on witness statements the two pedestrians were walking in a northbound direction from the south sidewalk of 3600 W 1st. According to one of the pedestrians, when they reached the number two lane of west bound traffic, a vehicle could be seen approaching their direction. One of the pedestrians managed to cross First Street avoiding being struck by the vehicle. The second pedestrian was unable to cross before being struck by the vehicle, a 1994 Gold Toyota Corolla, which was traveling west on First Street in the number two lane.

The driver of the vehicle involved in this collision remained at the scene and cooperated with our investigation. The driver was licensed and he was not impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. The pedestrian’s impairment, if any, is not known at this time. The cause of this collision is under investigation.