Driver in Fatal Crash Cited on Misdemeanor

The driver of a car who hit a couple Monday afternoon in a Santa Paula intersection, killing a 75-year-old man and injuring his wife, was cited on a misdemeanor speeding violation, authorities said.

On Wednesday, 58-year-old Antonio Cuevas Martinez of Santa Paula came to the police station and was cited on misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, said Santa Paula Police Chief Walt Adair. He could face as much as a year in jail.

The citation was issued, Adair said, because Martinez was in violation of the state’s basic speeding law, which states, in part: “No person shall drive a vehicle . . . at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of a person or property.”

Authorities did not say how fast Martinez was traveling when he entered the intersection of Main and 4th streets about 4 p.m. Monday. The posted speed in all directions is 25 mph. Martinez was traveling at an unsafe speed, Adair said.

After hitting Jose Pablino Perez and his 60-year-old wife, Maria De Jesus Perez, as they crossed the intersection, Martinez provided first aid until paramedics arrived, Adair said.

Jose Perez was pronounced dead a short time later at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital. Maria Perez was admitted to the hospital with moderate injuries and was released on Thursday, said a hospital spokeswoman.

Motorists should be aware that posted speed limits are a guide to safe speed under normal conditions, Adair said. The setting sun, rain, traffic and pedestrians can make driving even at the posted speed a violation, he said.