Pedestrian Succumbs to Injuries Following Hit-and-Run Collision on Mission Street
SANTA CRUZ, CA — JANUARY 11TH 2026
“The Santa Cruz Police Department (SCPD) and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene of a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in the 1700 block of Mission Street at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026. A vehicle traveling northbound on Mission Street collided with a 30-year-old pedestrian who was crossing the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained severe life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby trauma center; however, he succumbed to his injuries on January 11 and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The 39-year-old driver of the vehicle initially fled the scene after the accident, however, returned to the scene a short while later. The driver cooperated with the investigation and was ultimately arrested for felony hit & run, and possession of a controlled substance.
SCPD Traffic Investigators processed the traffic collision scene and are still working on the case. The pedestrian was a 30-year-old male. His identity is being withheld at this time, pending next of kin notification.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Santa Cruz Police Department Traffic Investigations Lieutenant Wes Morey at (831) 420-5857.”
