Pedestrian struck by car in Fountain Valley dies, police search for hit-and-run driver

A Santa Ana man died following a hit-and-run accident Saturday morning and police are still hunting for the driver involved.

Fountain Valley police in a news statement issued Tuesday identified the victim as Long Ta, 34.

Police said they responded to a call about a traffic collision involving a dark colored vehicle and a pedestrian near Ward Street and Edinger Avenue at 6:21 a.m. Saturday.

Upon arrival, police found Ta with traumatic injuries in the westbound lanes of Edinger. The vehicle and its driver were not present at the scene.

Paramedics transported Ta to a nearby hospital, but he died of his injuries two days later.

Early investigation indicated the vehicle was traveling westbound on Edinger toward Ward.

Witnesses said Ta had been walking northbound on Ward and was in a crosswalk with a green walk signal when the suspect ran a red light and struck him. The vehicle did not stop and was last seen westbound on Edinger.

Police are currently seeking a “dark colored 1991-1995 Chrysler or Dodge minivan, which may have sustained left front end damage,” according to the news release.

Officers located a vehicle and person of interest Wednesday morning. That individual was later interviewed and released.

The investigation is ongoing.

This is one of a number of fatal car collisions that have occurred in Fountain Valley this year. Another crash in March and one in July killed two pedestrians earlier this year.

Members of the public with information on the collision are being encouraged to call the Fountain Valley Police Department Traffic Bureau at (714) 593-4481.

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