Visalia Police Identify Victim in Fatal Hit-and-Run; Suspect Vehicle Sought
VISALIA, CA, — JANUARY 21ST 2026
“The Visalia Police Department Traffic Unit is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident.
Just after midnight on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Visalia Police Department officers responded to the area of Giddings Street and Howard Avenue for a reported hit-and-run involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. When officers arrived on scene, they found a woman lying in the roadway. The driver involved had fled the scene.
The woman was transported by ambulance to Kaweah Health, where she sadly passed away from her injuries. The victim has been identified as 36-year-old Jessica De La Cruz.
The suspect vehicle involved is described as a 2004-2005 Honda Civic with possible front end damage.
Anyone with information, video footage, or photos related to the incident is urged to contact the Visalia Police Department Traffic Unit at 559-713-4221. #visaliapd”
