Man held in connection with woman found mortally injured on roadway
A 21-year-old man was arrested Friday in connection with the death of a woman who Santa Ana detectives believe may have been pushed from a truck on Halloween night.
Francisco Montano was booked into Santa Ana jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, “for now, pending further investigation,” the Santa Ana Police Department said in a statement.
On Thursday, officers responded about 8 p.m. to the 1600 block of West Edinger Avenue, where they reported finding a young girl and the woman, with major injuries, on the roadway. Police are investigating whether the woman was pushed from a passing car or jumped out, said Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.
Witnesses reported seeing a dark pickup truck speeding east from the scene on Edinger Avenue, Bertagna said. Montano, a dishwasher, was driving a black Toyota Rav4 when he turned himself in Friday night.
The woman, Gloria Sanchez, 21, was taken to a hospital, where she died hours later as a result of her injuries. Her 13-month-old daughter was listed in stable condition.
The woman and her daughter were identified by family members who saw media reports of the incident, the Police Department said. Family members also told police that the two, along with Montano, had been living in the car, Bertagna added.
Montano’s bail was set at $200,000 because he was considered a flight risk, authorities said.
Los Angeles Times staff writer David Zahniser contributed reporting.
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