Woman Fatally Struck by Car in Del Cerro

Investigators say the driver may have distracted behind the wheel

A woman was struck and killed by a possible distracted driver in Del Cerro Friday, San Diego police confirmed.

The fatal collision happened around 3:45 p.m. at Margerum Avenue and Navajo Road.

Police say a 25-year-old female driver – who may have been distracted behind the wheel – hit the pedestrian, and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The pedestrian, according to numerous witnesses, stopped in the middle of the intersection when the driver was approaching her and put her arm up,” said SDPD Sgt. Art Doherty.

Police say the victim – described as a 65-year-old woman – was apparently dragged several feet before the vehicle stopped.

Sgt. Doherty said the woman is known to walk the neighborhood frequently, according to her family.

Officers shut down traffic on Navajo Road for several hours following the accident, issuing a SigAlert in the area. The driver remained at the scene, police said.

After the accident, the victim’s brother arrived at the intersection and was visibly shaken and emotional. The man received assistance from crisis counselors on site.

Just before 8 p.m., the traffic alert was lifted and police began clearing the scene and reopening the road.

NBC 7 spoke with Del Cerro residents, including Enrique Bernal, who said that unfortunately, the fatal accident is not surprising.

Bernal said that in the past couple of months, he’s seen two cars smash into a wall along Navajo Road.

“Pretty much cars coming down the hill too fast and spin out of control,” he said. “Just because you're crossing the street and you see it's a walk sign, don't take it for granted. You need to be really looking at your surroundings.”

Police say the driver isn’t suspected of drivng under the influence or speeding, but may have been distracted while driving. Investigators are checking her cell phone and data records.

The victim’s name has not yet been released. The accident remains under investigation.

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