Vidal Cruz Jr. was arrested after DUI crash on Colfax Avenue

Wreck left two pedestrians dead after high-speed vehicle struck them in North Hollywood

April 12, 2026 | North Hollywood, CA

Early Sunday morning, a suspected impaired driver struck and killed two pedestrians in North Hollywood, California.

The Los Angeles Police Department reported the tragic event, which has prompted an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Vidal Cruz Jr. was arrested after a suspected DUI crash that killed two pedestrians on Colfax Avenue in North Hollywood.

What Happened in the North Hollywood Crash?

The incident unfolded around 2:25 a.m. on Colfax Avenue, north of Calvert Street. According to authorities, a vehicle with several occupants came to a stop in the area. Shortly after, two individuals—a man in his 30s and a woman in her 50s—exited the car and were struck by another vehicle traveling at high speed. Both victims sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not released their identities.

• Date and Time: April 12, early morning hours.
• Location: Colfax Avenue, north of Calvert Street, North Hollywood, CA.
• Vehicles Involved: A stopped passenger car and a high-speed oncoming vehicle.
• Injuries: Two pedestrians killed; no other injuries reported.
• Suspect: Vidal Cruz Jr., a resident of Pacoima, arrested on two counts of murder and booked into Van Nuys Jail.

Authorities are seeking additional witnesses. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact (877) 527-3247.

Who Was the Suspect and What Charges Were Filed?

Vidal Cruz Jr., from Pacoima, was identified as the driver responsible for the fatal collision. He faces serious charges, including two counts of murder, reflecting the severity of the incident. The investigation continues to determine factors such as impairment and speed.

Why Do Pedestrian Crashes Like This Occur?

Pedestrian fatalities remain a pressing concern on U.S. roadways. Drivers must always yield to pedestrians, yet dangers persist due to factors like impaired driving, speeding, and poor visibility at night. Alcohol-impaired operation exacerbates these risks, leading to devastating outcomes.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported 6,721 pedestrian deaths in 2020, a 4.8% increase from 6,412 in 2019. Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that from 2014 to 2023, drunk-driving incidents resulted in approximately 11,000 fatalities each year on average.

Data sourced from GHSA and NHTSA reports.

Legal Insights on Crashes Involving Impaired Driving

In cases such as this, families of those affected may explore civil options beyond criminal proceedings. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, shared perspectives on handling such tragedies.

“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Bond. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a grieving family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a drunk driver is held accountable for their reckless actions.”

Key takeaways from analyst insights:

• Families could pursue wrongful death claims to cover medical, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional trauma.
• Wrongful death occurs when negligence, such as driving under the influence or speeding, leads to a fatality.
• Civil actions often follow unsafe driving behaviors, including impaired operation, aggressive maneuvers, or hit-and-runs.
• Legal guidance helps hold responsible parties accountable and supports families through the process.

Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, added:

“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death. When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, a hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”

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