Press Release UPDATE: Pedestrian struck and killed by a vehicle in Westside neighborhood. Driver Identified & Charged With Murder

Driver Identified and Charged with Murder in Fatal Auto-Pedestrian Crash

The Santa Cruz Police Department continues to investigate a vehicle versus pedestrian collision that left a 23-year-old female dead in the 700 block of Modesto Avenue. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family members.

Yesterday 7/20/18, at approximately 3:25 p.m., a pedestrian was walking westbound on Modesto Avenue when a 1999 black Infiniti SUV, also traveling in a westbound direction, struck the woman in the intersection. The pedestrian victim sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver, identified as Kelsey Knoll 24-year-old from Mount Herman, in the fatal auto-pedestrian crash is charged with murder. As the investigation develops, there is potential for additional charges.

Kelsey Knoll, 24-year-old from Mount Herman- Case 18S-05497

SCPD Investigators brought in a CHP drug recognition expert to examine Kelsey Knoll and determine if she was driving the vehicle under the influence. The results of blood and alcohol testing are pending.

The police investigation into the crash remains open and active. It is unknown at this time if alcohol, drugs, or vehicular speed were a factor in the collision.

Detectives are reviewing video surveillance in the area and interviewing additional witnesses. No motive has been established at this time.

The Santa Cruz Police Department asks that anyone with information or who witnessed this collision to contact investigators at 831- 420-5820. Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or from our Website; www.santacruzpolice.com

Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Fatal Collision SANTA CRUZ POLICE Media Release 18S-00151

On Friday, January 5, 2018, at around 10:28 p.m., the Santa Cruz Police Department responded to Highway 1 and River Street for a major injury traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a car.

Officers found the pedestrian lying in the roadway on Highway 1 and River Street. The involved vehicle a 2011 silver Mercedes sedan remained on scene. AMR transported the pedestrian with significant injuries, a 29-year-old man from Santa Cruz, to the local trauma center. The pedestrian suffered critical injuries was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The preliminary investigation indicates the pedestrian was in the crosswalk, walking against a red light. The driver was traveling northbound Highway 1 approaching the intersection of River Street. Investigators are still examining evidence and gathering information. 

The release of the pedestrian’s name is pending notification of his family.

The driver of the Mercedes is a 57-year-old man from San Jose. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. The driver was not arrested or cited, as the investigation is still ongoing. The exact details of the collision has not yet been determined.

Northbound Highway 1 @ River Street closed as a result of the collision investigation. The roadway re-opened at approximately 2:35 a.m. on 1/6/18.

The Santa Cruz Police Department asks that anyone with information or who witnessed this collision to contact investigators at 831- 420-5820.

Victim Identified in Confirmed Hit & Run Fatality Investigation

Updated Information as of 2/7/17 
Santa Cruz Police Department and the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office have confirmed the deceased woman found yesterday in the roadway was a victim of a vehicle versus pedestrian collision.

The victim in the hit and run investigation has been identified as Bianca Zipper, a 26-year-old Austrian citizen. She and her husband were traveling through Santa Cruz on vacation.

Detectives are following up on video surveillance in the area looking for additional information or evidence.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is requesting assistance from any potential witnesses or member of the public who may have information regarding this case.

Background:
On Monday 2/6/2017 at approximately 2:38 am, the Santa Cruz Police Department and the Santa Cruz Fire Department responded to the report of a woman found lying in the roadway on Seabright Avenue south of Broadway. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information is asked to Detective Williams at dwilliams@cityofsantacruz.com or 831-420-5839 or leave a message with our anonymous tip-line 831-420-5995.

2/6/17 - Media Release
The Santa Cruz Police is seeking assistance with a possible hit and run fatality that occurred on 2/6/2017.

On Monday 2/6/2017 at approximately 2:38 am, the Santa Cruz Police responded to the report of a person lying in the roadway on Seabright Avenue south of Broadway. On arrival, Officers located a woman who was pronounced deceased by medical personnel.

After an initial investigation by the Santa Cruz Police Department and the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office, it was determined that the deceased was possibly  the victim of a hit and run driver.

The victim was in her mid-20’s. It is unknown at this time what ties, if any, she had to the Santa Cruz Community.

The identity of the victim will be withheld until proper notification of next of kin is complete. The Santa Cruz Police and the Coroner’s office will release the victim’s name at that time.

Currently, no vehicle descriptions are available. The Santa Cruz Police Department is requesting assistance from any potential witnesses or member of the public who may have information regarding this case.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information is asked to Detective Williams at dwilliams@cityofsantacruz.com or 831-420-5839 or leave a message with our anonymous tip-line 831-420-5995.