A horrific hit and run crash has rattled an Oceanside community. According to police, the suspect drove for more than a mile with the victim partially stuck to her car. NBC 7’s Candice Nguyen reports.
A suspected drunk driver killed a pedestrian in a bloody hit-and-run Monday, driving for a mile with the victim's body lodged in the front seat, said Oceanside police. She allegedly parked in a cul-de-sac and walked away, before being arrested.
The collision happened at approximately 6:20 a.m. on the 4000 block of Mission Avenue when witnesses reported seeing a man walking on the sidewalk hit by a car, police said.
Police said Esteysi Sanchez Izazaga, 29, who goes by Stacy Sanchez, drove her car onto the sidewalk and hit the man at random.
Izazaga is suspected of driving under the influence, police said. Because of how fast the vehicle was allegedly traveling, the victim flew into the windshield, head down, coming to a rest on the front passenger seat.
The man's leg detached from his body and flew through the back window, landing on the trunk of the car, police said.
Izazaga continued driving for about a mile, police said. She parked the vehicle and walked away before officers arrived.
Shortly after she abandoned the car, her live-in boyfriend called the police and reported the incident, police said. Officers found her at her house, approximately two blocks from where she left the car.
One witness told NBC 7, he was outside changing the oil in his car when he witnessed the crash. He said it was like a scene out of a movie.
"There's no words to really describe it. I mean, just seeing that up close and personal, it's kind of traumatizing in a way," Edwin Esparza said.
Another man said he didn't want to come outside Monday morning because he could tell it would be a graphic and disturbing scene.
Local
"Horrific. Yeah I've never in my whole life have I heard a story like this," Lou Torres said. "It was so strange that I couldn't imagine any scenario that would cause this."
Izazaga was arrested and charged with felony DUI, felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter. She was booked into the Vista Detention Facility. It is unclear if she has retained an attorney.
The victim has not yet been identified. Authorities are working to contact the family before releasing their name.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information is asked to call the Oceanside Police Department at (760) 435-4911.
No other information was immediately available.
Check back for updates on this developing news story.
