ECPD: One dead in fatal collision in El Centro

The local Spread the Love Charity is mourning the death of a 54-year-old homeless man who was struck by a car on 4 th and Desert Gardens Drive, El Centro, on Thursday around 12:30 a.m.

Charity Founder Jessica Solorio said, “It’s very sad. I know that it is hard to see individuals at night time especially so late and most of the homeless people do wear dark clothing.”

Police said the driver was going north. The victim wore dark clothing and stumbled into the street from west to east. He was away from the crosswalk area.

“Some of them are mentally lost and they’re not understanding the dangers that are there by crossing a big street. They’re just dealing with a lot of issues,” Solorio said.

Charity volunteers said the homeless face many challenges on the street daily.

“It’s bad. Drugs and people beating each other. The drugs mainly,” Joyce Marie Thomas said.

Arlene Garcia, another volunteer, said, “Because they’re really not paying attention. You see them, they’re pushing their cart and they think the cars going to stop. Most of the time the cars’ not paying attention.”

“So, we just need to, us as citizens, need to just be more aware and slow down,” Solorio added.

The charity, which recently moved to 463 Main Street is looking for ways to help.

“We’re going to try and work with other agencies to maybe give some workshops on safety issues that they can be more aware of,” Solorio said.

The driver identified as Manuel Lopez of El Centro stopped after the collision and tried to help the victim. No drugs or alcohol were involved on his part. The investigation is ongoing.

Police didn’t identify the victim. They said he died of massive head injuries. Police also said there’s been an increase in vehicle and pedestrian collisions.

UPDATE: (12:09 P.M.)

The ECPD said the 54-year-old man who died after being involved in a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision was a transient resident in El Centro.

Manuel Lopez has been identified as the driver in this incident and the ECPD said he immediately pulled over after colliding and attempted to render first aid to the man.

Medical personnel arrived on the scene shortly after and attempted to resuscitate the man but he succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced dead.

ECPD said Lopez was fully cooperative and understanding during the conducting of their investigation.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in this case.

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Sgt Thompson confirmed with News 11 that the pedestrian involved in the collision that happened in El Centro has died due to their injuries.

The El Centro Police Department confirmed the collision happened at around 12:29 a.m. Thursday morning.

ECPD said it happened on Fourth Street and Desert Garden Drive.

The driver cooperated with authorities, according to authorities.

Identities have not been identified at this moment.

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News 11 has received reports of a fatal collision in El Centro Thursday morning, according to Sergeant Thompson with the El Centro Police Department.

Sgt Thompson said there has been a fatality, however no details on how many involved in the accident have been released.

We will keep you updated with any new information as this story is developing.