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.

Help Identify Pedestrian in Major Injury Collision

UPDATE as of 9/22/15
We believe we have her identified. SCPD is working to confirm her identity.  We are also working with the hospital staff to locate and notify family.

Thank you for sharing the post. Thank you for the leads and tips. SCPD will pass along your kind comments for her recovery.

We can officially state her name only after her family has been notified.
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9/21/15
The Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance to identify this woman who was struck by a vehicle. Early this morning, SCPD responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Soquel Ave and Morrissey Blvd. The pedestrian suffered major injuries and is in critical care at a bay area trauma center.

We are seeking the public’s help to find out who she is. The injured pedestrian did not have any identification on her person. The photos attached are from a store video surveillance that was taken minutes prior to the accident.

BACKGROUND: 

On September 21, 2015 at 5:54 am, officers from the Santa Cruz Police Department responded to Soquel Ave at Morrissey Boulevard for a report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Officers found the pedestrian lying in the roadway. The involved vehicle was still on scene and was identified as a 2001 Acura. The pedestrian, an unidentified female, was transported by air ambulance to a Bay Area trauma center with major injuries. Detectives are working to identify her.

The driver of the Acura is a 24 years, female from San Jose. The preliminary investigation revealed the pedestrian was crossing Soquel Ave at Morrissey, while the vehicle was traveling eastbound in the #2 lane of Soquel Ave.

The driver remained at the scene and has been cooperative with investigators. The driver was not arrested or cited, as the investigation is still ongoing.

Soquel Avenue at Morrissey Blvd. was closed as a result of the collision investigation. The roadway was opened at approximately 1:00 pm. Traffic was rerouted through the area.
The Santa Cruz Police Department is asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed this collision to contact investigators. Contact investigators at 831- 420-5820.Anonymous tips can be sent through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995 or www.santacruzpolice.com