Officers said they located the woman in the parking lot of a nearby grocery store shortly after the incident. According to reports, witnesses had followed the vehicle after it left the area where the collision occurred and directed the authorities to the location.
When officers approached the driver, they reportedly asked whether she had been involved in an accident. Investigators later alleged the woman told them she believed she might have hit something while driving, but was not sure what it had been. After learning that a pedestrian had been struck, reports indicated she appeared visibly upset.
Authorities said the incident unfolded earlier that day at a nearby intersection. Investigators alleged the woman had been driving a red Chevrolet Cruze and was attempting to make a left turn when the vehicle entered a crosswalk.
At the same time, a man was reportedly crossing the street with a walk signal. According to investigators, the vehicle struck the pedestrian and lifted him onto the hood before he was thrown back into the roadway.
Witnesses at the scene contacted the authorities while remaining with the injured man. The pedestrian later told officers he had been walking through the intersection when the vehicle hit him and continued driving.
Authorities later reviewed nearby surveillance video that reportedly documented the collision and showed the pedestrian being thrown roughly 15 to 20 feet.
The woman was transported to a police substation for processing. Court records show the 81-year-old was accused of hit-and-run involving injury in connection with the incident.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.