Pedestrian hit, killed near Foods Co. in Salinas, police identified suspect and respond

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Maria Portillo was one of the many witnesses who saw a car struck a man Wednesday night on East Alisal and Eucalyptus Street.

"I saw the man on the ground. His face was facing down," said Portillo.

There have been two deadly hit and runs in less than two months in the East Alisal area, city officials are now taking action.

"A lot of improvements are coming to the Alisal corridor. It's going to deal with traffic calming, more lighting, just a better walkable environment," said Rene Mendez, City Manager for Salinas. "It takes a lot of time to do that."

Mendez said the overview presentation of the Alisal Vibrancy Plan will be presented to the Traffic and Transportation Commission this Thursday, then a draft of the presentation will be next month. It will then go to City Council in November.

People like Maria think there needs to be more lighting and cross walks in the middle of the road, so there won't be another tragedy. Mendez said the Alisal Vibrancy Plan is also for streets like Sanborn Rd, Market Street and Williams Road.

Salinas Police say a person was struck and killed by a vehicle in Salinas Wednesday night. According to investigators, they initially got the call around 8:32 p.m. Wednesday and the incident took place E. Alisal St. at Eucalyptus St. in front of Food Co.

Police are identifying the suspect as 27-year-old Jorge Luis Lopez Saenz.

The vehicle reportedly fled the scene, but was followed by a witness onto Eucalyptus Street. Police say witness eventually loss sight of the vehicle, but did get the license plate information.

When officers arrive to the scene, the victim was unresponsive. Medical crews provided aid to the victim, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect's vehicle was located by officers on North Sanborn Road near Elkington Street. Officials say a traffic stop was conducted, and the vehicle had damage to the right end.

According to Salinas Police, Saenz did not appear to be under the influence, however, his blood analysis is pending.

Saenz has been booked into the Monterey County Jail on charges on vehicular manslaughter, unlicensed driving, and hit-and-run causing death or injury.

Police add the investigation is ongoing.