Driver in Fatal Incident Says Witnesses Beat Him

A driver who hit and killed a pedestrian and then crashed into a brick wall was attacked by several witnesses, who kicked him and hit him with fists and a brick, the driver told police Monday.

Police said Amado Torres Dominguez, 29, of Huntington Beach was sitting in a car in an alley north of Amberleaf Circle at 8:15 p.m. Sunday when Antonio Ramirez Ruiz, 44, asked him to move the car because it was blocking his garage.

Police said Dominguez told them that he was sitting in the passenger’s seat, waiting for the driver to return, but that he agreed to move the car even though he was unfamiliar with driving it.

Instead of putting the car in reverse, Dominguez allegedly sped forward, hitting and killing Ruiz.

He continued another 40 feet and slammed into a brick wall, police said.

At that point, Dominguez told police, several people began beating him.

When police arrived, several witnesses were detaining Dominguez.

Dominguez was treated at Pacifica Hospital for a broken nose and cheekbone and released to police. He was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, Sgt. Janet Perez said. Police also intend to pursue a charge against Dominguez of driving without a license.

Officer Mike Corcoran said police are continuing to investigate Dominguez’s allegations that witnesses beat him.

No other arrests have been made.

Times staff writer Stacy Wong contributed to this story.