Young San Diego Woman Killed in Carlsbad DUI Hit-and-Run, Jose Manuel Zambrano Cruz Arrested

CARLSBAD, CA. (THECOUNT) — A fatal hit-and-run in Carlsbad claimed the life of a 23-year-old woman from San Diego in the early hours of September 10. Carlsbad Police responded to the tragic scene at 12:37 a.m. on the 2200 block of Las Palmas Drive after receiving reports of a traffic collision involving multiple vehicles and a pedestrian.

Upon arrival, officers found a Volkswagen Jetta had crashed into three parked cars and struck the pedestrian, who had just exited the same vehicle. Sadly, the woman sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to witnesses, the Volkswagen Jetta was speeding eastbound along Las Palmas Drive just before the collision occurred. Following the crash, the driver of the Volkswagen, identified as 26-year-old Jose Manuel Zambrano Cruz from Carlsbad, fled the scene, leaving behind the wreckage and the fatally injured pedestrian.

The authorities have yet to release the name of the victim as they wait to notify next of kin.

Carlsbad police quickly launched a search for Zambrano Cruz, and he was later apprehended in the 6600 block of El Camino Real. After his arrest, authorities charged Zambrano Cruz with several felonies, including Hit and Run, DUI Causing Injury or Death, and Vehicular Manslaughter. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility, where he is being held as the investigation continues.

At this time, investigators believe that alcohol was a contributing factor in the fatal crash. However, the full details of what led to the incident are still under investigation. Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has additional information to come forward.

Carlsbad Traffic Accident Investigator Corporal Matt Bowen is leading the investigation and is actively seeking help from the public. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Corporal Bowen directly at matt.bowen@carlsbadca.gov.

The tragic accident has shocked the Carlsbad and San Diego communities, and many are left grappling with the senseless loss of life. Friends and family of the victim are mourning her untimely death, and they are left waiting for answers as the investigation unfolds.

Hit-and-run incidents continue to be a growing concern, with DUI-related crashes being a significant factor in many fatal accidents. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives.

Carlsbad Police are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the crash, and they are asking for any witnesses to step forward and help bring justice to the victim and her family. In the meantime, the community is left grieving the loss of a young woman whose life was cut tragically short.

The arrest of Zambrano Cruz marks an important step in the investigation, but many questions remain unanswered as investigators work to determine exactly how and why the fatal crash occurred. As the case progresses, further details about the crash and the circumstances surrounding it are expected to be released.

For now, the family of the victim is left to cope with their immeasurable loss, while the community offers its support and prayers during this difficult time. The senselessness of the tragedy has touched the hearts of many, and the search for justice continues as Carlsbad authorities press forward with the investigation.

Carlsbad is a city near San Diego, in California. It’s known for Tamarack Surf Beach, backed by the Carlsbad Sea Wall, and secluded South Carlsbad State Beach. The Legoland California theme park includes rides, a water park and the SEA LIFE Aquarium. The Flower Fields is a seasonal attraction, with acres of flowers. Set in a canyon, the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is home to free-roaming peacocks.

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