Deadly hit-and-run was near Nisson Road and Del Amo Avenue, authorities say
TUSTIN, CA, (February 01, 2025) - The family members of Imanol Salvador Gonzalez—who was fatally struck by a sergeant from the Los Angeles Police Department early Saturday in Tustin—are demanding justice as they grapple with the loss of their eldest son.
Imanol Salvador Gonzalez, 19, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver near Nisson Road and Del Amo Avenue in Tustin early Saturday, according to a news release.
Gonzalez was found around 3:57 a.m. near Nisson Road and Del Amo Avenue. Tragically, he later died from injuries.
Based on preliminary reports, the vehicle involved in the crash was not at the scene. However, debris at the location led officers to a black 2021 Chevy Silverado crew cab pickup registered to 40-year-old Carlos Coronel of Buena Park. Coronel, an LAPD sergeant, was booked into the Orange County Jail on Sunday, according to court records.
Rodeo Carva, 19-year-old Gonzalez's stepfather, said the officer is supposed to serve the public. "Now, he's the one that took my son's life."
The investigation is ongoing.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Failure to remain on the collision site can attract criminal charges, and the victim can also pursue a case against the driver.
California remained the state with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities, though its numbers had decreased. In 2019, California had 1,020 pedestrian traffic fatalities, increasing to 1,026 in the year 2020 before falling to 958 in 2021.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim's family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family members of Imanol Salvador Gonzalez may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).