Arrest made, victim identified in Laguna Beach fatal hit-and-run collision

Laguna Beach police have arrested a Costa Mesa woman in connection with a hit-and-run incident that killed one and injured another late Thursday.

Authorities took Sysillia Morrison Montes De Oca, 18, into custody on Friday at about 6 p.m. She was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and a hit-and-run felony. Montes De Oca posted $100,000 bail and was released pending further court hearings.

The fatal collision for which Montes De Oca is suspected of being the driver happened at 9:38 p.m. on Thursday. Costa Mesa resident Stanley Isaacs and his wife were walking in a marked, lit crosswalk at the intersection of South Coast Highway and Pearl Street when they were struck by a vehicle, officials reported.

Isaacs, 60, died of his injuries after the couple were transported to Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. His name had been withheld in earlier accounts to allow authorities to notify his next of kin. Isaacs’ wife was discharged from the hospital after being evaluated for minor injuries.

Laguna Beach city officials released this photo of the suspected vehicle in a fatal hit-and-run incident at the intersection of South Coast Highway and Pearl Street Thursday night.

(Courtesy of the city of Laguna Beach)

The couple was believed to have been celebrating their anniversary in Laguna Beach, according to a Laguna Beach police news release.

A picture of the suspected vehicle — a silver 2009 Volkswagen Jetta — was provided by Laguna Beach police, and the city’s major crimes detectives said the public played a part in identifying the alleged driver. Authorities found the vehicle in a garage in Aliso Viejo and impounded it for evidence.

Authorities were working to determine whether alcohol or drugs had played a role in the collision. Police believe speeding to have been a factor, according to the news release.

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