Santa Cruz Woman Arrested for Fatal Hit-and-Run

Santa Cruz Driver Arrested in Alleged Fatal Hit-and-Run on Highway 1 Near Scott Creek

Overview of the Incident

Authorities report that a 24-year-old Santa Cruz woman was arrested on the evening of Friday, December 5, 2025, on suspicion of felony hit-and-run stemming from a deadly collision earlier this year. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at approximately 11:17 p.m. on Highway 1 just north of Scott Creek in northern Santa Cruz County. A 36-year-old man suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators allege that the driver left the scene in a black Subaru Impreza, believed to be a 2020–2023 model, without reporting the collision. Through investigative efforts, CHP officials identified the woman as the suspected driver. The vehicle was later located at an auto body repair shop in the Bay Area. As with any criminal case, the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The CHP investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case develops.

What We Know About the CHP Investigation

In serious collisions—especially those involving a fatality—CHP investigators typically employ a broad set of tools to determine what happened and who may be responsible. While specific evidence in this case has not been publicly disclosed, investigations in similar cases often include:

• Collision scene analysis, including skid marks, debris fields, and roadway measurements
• Vehicle inspections for paint transfer, body damage patterns, and Event Data Recorder (EDR) downloads
• Surveillance video from nearby traffic cameras, businesses, and residences
• Witness interviews and 911 call reviews
• Cell phone and license plate reader data where legally obtainable
• Auto body repair records, which may identify vehicles brought in after a crash

The location—Highway 1 near Scott Creek—is a high-speed corridor with limited lighting and changing visibility after dark. These conditions can complicate both collision avoidance and post-crash investigations, underscoring the importance of driver attentiveness and immediate reporting after any incident.

California Hit-and-Run Law: Duties and Potential Consequences

California law requires drivers involved in any collision to stop, identify themselves, and render reasonable aid when necessary. Failure to do so is a crime. Key legal distinctions include:

• Property damage only: Generally charged as a misdemeanor (Vehicle Code 20002).
• Injury or death: Generally charged as a felony (Vehicle Code 20001).

Beyond criminal penalties, an alleged hit-and-run can carry significant civil consequences. In a civil lawsuit, a driver may be held financially responsible for damages, including funeral expenses, the loss of support to surviving family members, and other losses recognized under California law. While a criminal case can proceed independently, a civil claim often runs parallel to or follows the criminal investigation and can provide essential resources to families.

This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of hit-and-run collisions. While an arrest has been made, the loss suffered by the victim's family and loved ones cannot be undone, and many questions may still remain as the legal process unfolds.

At Avian Law Group, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who lost his life on Highway 1. When a fatal crash involves an alleged hit-and-run, families often face both emotional devastation and complex legal challenges. Our team is here to provide compassionate guidance, help protect critical evidence, and pursue accountability and justice under California law. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.