Unlicensed Driver Arrested For Hit-And-Run Killing Handicapped Man In Wheelchair: Second Time Man Was Struck By A Car
A man who lost his leg after being struck by a vehicle several years ago was fatally hit by a car on Sunday in Pomona, California. An unlicensed driver has been arrested for the hit-and-run that killed a handicapped man in a wheelchair.
The suspect in the hit-and-run is a 44-year-old man from Ontario. Pomona Police Department revealed that Alejandro Ambriz is facing charges of felony hit and run, as well as vehicular manslaughter, according to ABC 7.
Unlicensed driver in Pomona arrested in hit-and-run crash that killed man in wheelchair https://t.co/GYxPKQVkFl
— Michael Rubinstein (@RabbiLawyer) September 20, 2016
The accident occurred on Holt Avenue where Ambriz struck and killed Charles Atterberry, 49, with his vehicle. Atterberry was in a wheelchair during the accident. It has been reported that Atterberry had been struck by a vehicle several years ago, causing him to lose his leg.
The suspect hit the man and left the scene, but unfortunately for him, the license plate from his vehicle was left at the scene. He was driving a 2004 Saab four-door sedan. The sedan was gray and the license plate number was reported as 7SQJ485.
Although Ambriz was not the registered owner of the car, the police were able to find out that the car was owned by a car dealership, the employer of Ambriz. The police were also able to determine that Ambriz was driving without a license. The anonymous tipster also told investigators that Ambriz contacted a friend after the hit-and-run to take the vehicle to an auto body shop in Montclair.
The registered owner told the police that the Saab had been repossessed months ago. The anonymous tipster led police to Ambriz, where he was arrested and charged for the hit-and-run.
This story is still developing and more information will be provided as it becomes available. The Pomona Police Department is asking that anyone with any information regarding this hit-and-run fatal accident to please contact the station at (909) 620-2081.
Just a month ago, a man was struck by a vehicle via hit-and-run and was paralyzed. The triathlete, Charles Driggers, 66, was on his bicycle when he was struck by a white sedan driven by Benjamin Allen Vanderploeg, 48.
Witnesses say the man struck Driggers bike, sending him over Vanderploeg’s windshield before he and his bike landed quite a few yards down the road.
The man in the sedan left the scene and several people rushed to help Driggers. Shawn Driggers, Charles’ son, told reporters that Charles overcame prostate cancer, which gave him the motivation to get into the best shape of his life. Charles was training the night he was struck by Vanderploeg.
“He has run the Boston Marathon and this year he qualified for the 2017 Boston Marathon and he was going to do the Wisconsin Iron Man later this year.”
While Charles was diagnosed as being paralyzed after the hit-and-run, Shawn remains optimistic about his father.
“He’s a fighter. He survived prostate cancer. He’ll find a way. He’ll find a way – some way, shape or form, to compete actively in the best way possible for him.”
Runners World describes some good tips to staying safe while strolling beside the road.
- Always think that you are invisible. Rather than assuming drivers can see you, assume they can’t and act accordingly.
- Face the traffic. If you can see oncoming traffic, you can more easily and quickly react to oncoming vehicles.
- Always carry your ID with you and a cell phone with emergency contacts.
- If a sidewalk is available, use it. Otherwise, stay on the shoulder of the road, especially if the road narrows or traffic becomes heavy.
- Wear bright, visible clothing. Use reflective material if you will be out before sunrise or after sunset.
- Avoid plugging your ears with iPods and headphones. These disable you from hearing oncoming traffic. If you feel it is necessary to listen to music, use just one earphone and keep the volume low.
- Early in the morning and late at night, there tends to be more people driving who are overly tired or not as attentive.
- Use hand signals when crossing roads. Make sure drivers are aware of you prior to crossing the road, even at a crosswalk.
[Featured Image by Matt Hayward/Getty Images]
