Salinas, CA (September 13, 2024) – Two men were killed and another seriously injured following a violent hit-and-run collision Thursday afternoon in Salinas, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 4:16 p.m. on Highway 183, just south of Cooper Rd. Authorities reported that a gray GMC SUV was traveling southbound when it slammed into the rear of a red sedan that had stopped to make a lawful left turn. The impact of the crash forced the sedan into oncoming traffic, where it was struck by a northbound semi-truck.
Tragically, two passengers in the red sedan—31-year-old Aristeo Cruz Jimenez of Port Hueneme and 35-year-old Marcos Cruz Alia of Salinas—were killed at the scene due to the severity of the crash. The driver of the sedan, a 20-year-old man, was transported to a nearby hospital with major injuries.
The driver of the SUV, identified as a 19-year-old woman from Salinas, fled the scene on foot immediately following the crash. CHP officials later located her, though no formal charges have been announced at this time. Investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the full scope of the events that led to the fatal crash.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of Aristeo Cruz Jimenez and Marcos Cruz Alia. We also wish the injured survivor a full and swift recovery.
