Woman Killed in Anaheim Hit and Run; Suspect Jailed
A 20-year-old Paramount woman was killed and two men were injured early Friday when they were struck by a hit-and-run driver outside an Anaheim nightclub, police said. The driver was later arrested at her place of business in Santa Ana.
Erika Lopez was talking to two friends in front of El Calor nightclub in the 2900 block of West Lincoln Avenue about 2 a.m. when a minivan ran into them, police said.
Lopez was dragged more than 150 feet and died at the scene, Anaheim Police Sgt. Rick Martinez said.
One of the men was in serious condition Friday at UCI Medical Center in Orange, police said. The other was treated at the scene for cuts.
About 6 p.m. Friday, police arrested Mercedes Montelongo, 36, at a retail store in the 2700 block of Grand Avenue in Santa Ana.
She was taken to Anaheim City Jail, where she was expected to be booked on charges of felony hit and run and vehicular manslaughter, Martinez said.
The minivan was recovered at Montelongo’s home in Garden Grove.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
