Woman arrested in hit and run

Evelin Jimenez, 27, of Fallbrook, was arrested and booked into Vista Jail for felony hit and run on Wednesday, May 14, after striking a seven-year-old boy in a cross walk at Main Avenue and Alvarado Street at approximately 7:30 a.m. and fleeing the scene.

With the help of eye witnesses at the scene who noted the license plate number of the 1989 Chevrolet Astro van that Jimenez was driving, officers were able to track down the registered owner who explained the van had been loaned to Jimenez, a friend. Officers contacted Jimenez at her home shortly afterward, where she admitted guilt. There was no evidence of alcohol or drugs involved in the accident.

Jimenez is an unlicensed driver, authorities say. After the initial impact, the boy was dragged at a slow speed by the van for about 40 feet, said California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Larry Chase.

The boy, who was crossing the street accompanied by two other children and an adult when he was struck by the vehicle, was not identified at the scene and was labeled a ‘John Doe’ by emergency personnel. Witnesses say the boy and his companions did not speak English and it was unclear whether or not he was registered as a student in a local school.

The child was taken by medical helicopter to Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego with major injuries and abrasions to his entire body, Chase said. An update on the boy’s condition is not available at this time, said a hospital representative.

Officer Chase said any eye witnesses to the accident that haven’t come forward yet, and have information that may be helpful, can contact the CHP at (760) 757-1675.