PHOENIX, AZ – A 72-year-old woman died nearly two months after a hit-and-run crash caused by an accused impaired driver, Arizona Family reports.
The victim, later identified as Sherry Hinojosa, succumbed to her injuries over the weekend at a long-term care facility.
The Back Story
The incident unfolded around 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. Hinojosa was walking from the Phoenix Manor Senior Apartments and attempted to cross the intersection of 43rd Avenue and Virginia Avenue to try to catch the bus. During her cross, a 24-year-old man struck her with his vehicle in front of a Phoenix fire station.
The young driver did not stop and kept driving.
One of the eyewitnesses called 911 and followed the driver, and he eventually stopped at Thomas Road.
The driver admitted to police that he drank at least three beers before getting behind the wheel and knew he struck Hinojosa with his vehicle, but did not stop “because he was scared.”
Police did cite him for DUI, driving without a license, and leaving the scene of a crash. Police took him into custody, but released him that same night.
Hinojosa’s friend, Joyce Pickens, is hoping to now get justice for Hinojosa and find out why police had released the suspected DUI driver.
Police have not responded to AZFamily’s questions about the release nor provided further commentary with respect to this fatal crash.
If your family member died in a crash caused by a negligent driver, you have every right to feel hurt and angered. At Tobler Law, we are ready to help you channel those emotions into pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. We know what a winning case looks like and are ready to help you achieve justice for your late loved one. Learn more about how we can best support you. Schedule a free initial consultation online or by phone at 480-898-9700 today.