Girl Dead, Sister and Mother Injured in Santa Ana Hit and Run

A driver suspected of DUI was in custody in the fatal Saturday collision

A young girl died and her mother and sister were injured in a hit-and-run collision in Santa Ana this morning, police said.

The suspected driver was arrested a few blocks away when a witness driving behind blocked the car in, pinning the suspect until police could arrive, according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

He called the witness' response a "heroic action."

The driver, Jessicah Louise Cowan of Frazier Park, is being held at Santa Ana jail on suspicion of felony hit and run, as well as driving under the influence, Bertagna said. She may also face vehicular manslaughter charges, Bertagna said.

A preliminary field sobriety test led police to believe she was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Bertagna said. Witnesses estimated she was driving 70 mph.

The collision killed five-year-old Osmara Meza, and injured her mother, Eloisa Magana, and sister, Gresia, 6.

In video shot at the scene, Cowan is seen handcuffed and being placed into a patrol car. Her 2002 silver Lexus sedan had a smashed windshield and dented hood and front bumper.

Local

Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.

PCH closed for fatal crash investigation in Malibu area

Everything you need to know about the Dodgers Opening Week at Chavez Ravine

The mother and her daughters were crossing in the cross walk at 17th and Spurgeon streets (map) when a small silver car ran a red light "at a high rate of speed" and collided with all three victims, Bertagna said. The victims had the right of way.

The victims were pushed 60 to 70 feet down the road, he added. A pair of children's shoes could be seen left in the roadway in video from the scene.

"The suspect in this case showed no regard for the actions they did," Bertagna said. "This is horrific."

The Osmara was killed, while her 6-year-old sister and mother were in critical condition with head trauma, Bertagna said.

They live close to the scene of the collision, he said. A crowd of relatives could be seen at the collision site.

The incident was reported to police at 11 a.m.

NOTE: The names of the victims and suspect have been updated with correct spelling.


View Larger Map

Follow NBCLA for the latest LA news, events and entertainment: iPhone/iPad App | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | RSS | Text Alerts | Email Alerts

Contact Us