Santa Ana man faces trial for hit and run crash that killed a pedestrian

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 13CF0131: January 30, 2014

MAN FACES TRIAL FOR KILLING PEDESTRIAN IN HIT-AND-RUN CRASH

SANTA ANA – A man faces trial today for killing a pedestrian by crashing into the victim with his car and then fleeing the scene. Victor Manuel Arredondo Anaya, 28, Santa Ana, is charged with one felony count of hit and run causing death and one misdemeanor count each of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence and driving on a suspended license. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison. Opening statements are expected to begin this afternoon, Jan. 30, 2014, in Department C-38, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.

At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Jan. 10, 2013, Anaya is accused of driving southbound on Orange Avenue approaching Stanford Street in Santa Ana in a BMW. The defendant is accused of hitting 75-year-old Miguel Ceja, who was lawfully crossing in an unmarked crosswalk on Orange Avenue. Anaya is accused of striking the victim’s left side with his car, causing Ceja to crash onto the hood of the car and hit his head on the windshield. Ceja then struck the left side mirror before being thrown from the vehicle and tumbling into the driver’s door of a parked car. Anaya is accused of failing to stop to assist the victim and fleeing. Ceja was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) responded and investigated this case. Information regarding the crime and the make and model of the defendant’s car was provided to the media and public.

On Jan. 12, 2013, SAPD dispatch received a call from a civilian witness, who was driving at the intersection of Grand Avenue and First Street in Santa Ana and believed he was following the vehicle that may have been involved in the fatal crash.

Anaya is accused of driving the vehicle nearby when contacted by officers. He is accused of having damage to his vehicle consistent with the crime and evidence collected at the collision scene.

At the time of the crime, Anaya is accused of driving on a suspended license stemming from a 2011 conviction for driving under the influence.

Deputy District Attorney Anna McIntire of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

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Tony Rackauckas, District Attorney
401 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contacts:

Susan Kang Schroeder
Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Farrah Emami
Spokesperson
Office: 714-347-8405
Cell: 714-323-4486