Santa Ana Police Department
Advisory: SAPD Traffic Investigators Make an Arrest in Fatal Hit and Run Collision
Arrested: Israel Gutierres Zamora (45) Santa Ana
Booking Charges: Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, Felony Hit and Run
Victim: Mitchell Paul Viturino (61), Fullerton
On Monday, February 8th, 2016 at 2:01am, officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Bristol Street and 1st Street in Santa Ana. The collision involved a silver 2006 Mercedes Benz E350 sedan and a red 1999 Ford Mustang coupe. It was also reported that occupants of the Mercedes were seen fleeing the scene of the collision.
Orange County Fire Authority responded to the scene and treated two adult male occupants of the Mercedes E350. They were transported to local area hospitals for further treatment and expected to survive their injuries. The driver of the Ford Mustang Mitchell Paul Viturino (61) was the sole occupant and pronounced deceased at the scene by OCFA Medics.
The investigation into the February 8th, 2016 collision revealed the Mustang was eastbound 1st St., crossing Bristol St. when it was broadsided on the driver’s side by the Mercedes, which was traveling southbound on Bristol St.
Forensic evidence collected at the scene led Investigators to identify the driver of the Mercedes as Israel Gutierres Zamora. Additionally, it was determined that Zamora was intoxicated at the time of the collision and had a blood alcohol content that was twice the legal limit.
On 07/20/16 at 10:50am, Zamora was seen leaving his residence in a vehicle. The vehicle was stopped by officers and he was arrested without incident.
Zamora was booked into the SAPD Jail for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated and Felony Hit and Run.
