Driver of Volkswagen Jetta struck pedestrian and fled scene near Civic Drive
December 02, 2025 | Victorville, CA
Steven Ramirez, a 44-year-old Victorville resident, lost his life in a hit-and-run incident when a vehicle struck him Tuesday evening.
Authorities later apprehended a suspect with help from the Sheriff's Aviation Unit.
Steven Ramirez, 44, of Victorville died after silver Volkswagen Jetta hit him and the driver fled the area of Amargosa Road and Civic Drive.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded around 6:29 p.m. near Amargosa Road and Civic Drive, directly outside the CHP and Victorville Police Department offices. A 23-year-old man from Adelanto was operating a silver Volkswagen Jetta that collided with Ramirez, who succumbed to injuries at the scene. The driver initially fled but was quickly located and arrested.
- Victim: Steven Ramirez, 44, of Victorville
- Suspect: 23-year-old male from Adelanto
- Vehicle: Silver Volkswagen Jetta
- Time: 6:29 p.m.
- Location: Amargosa Road and Civic Drive
- Outcome: Pedestrian fatality, and suspect in custody
Emergency responders mobilized swiftly due to the crash's proximity to law enforcement facilities, underscoring the rapid response in high-risk areas.
How Is the Investigation Proceeding?
The Victorville Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) leads the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Fleeing the scene complicates efforts to reconstruct events and provide immediate aid, highlighting the need for thorough analysis of factors like road conditions, visibility, and driver behavior.
Authorities emphasize that pedestrian safety remains a pressing concern, with ongoing investigations essential to prevent future tragedies.
Pedestrian Safety Statistics
Pedestrian fatalities continue to rise across U.S. roadways, despite awareness initiatives. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), approximately 2,304 pedestrians were fatally struck in the first half of 2024 alone.
Category |
Statistic |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Fatalities (H1 2024) |
2,304 |
GHSA Report |
Common Contributing Factors |
Distracted Driving, Poor Lighting |
Federal Highway Administration |
Preventable Incidents |
100% with Attentive Driving |
CDC Highway Safety Guidelines |
These figures illustrate the urgency for enhanced vigilance from motorists to reduce avoidable deaths.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts offer perspective on pedestrian accidents, stressing the importance of independent reviews to safeguard affected families.
“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 Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. Bond noted that it’s imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim’s family in cases such as this. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined.”
- Time-sensitive evidence preservation is crucial for accurate determinations.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
- Yielding to pedestrians is a fundamental driver responsibility.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.” Formica added that insurance pressures for quick settlements often undervalue cases, advocating for strong legal representation.
In cases such as this, consulting professionals ensures fair outcomes and thorough investigations.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(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).