Woman killed in hit-and-run crash by suspected DUI driver identified

CARLSBAD, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A pedestrian killed in a suspected driving under the influence crash earlier this week in Carlsbad has been identified.

Karla Stephanie Levya, 23, died in a collision Tuesday around 12:37 a.m. in the 2200 block of Las Palmas Drive, the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office said on its website.

Levya had gotten out of her vehicle after parking along Las Palmas Drive when the driver of a Volkswagen Jetta “failed to negotiate the curve” and hit the victim and her vehicle, per medical officials.

First responders confirmed Levya’s death at the scene, while the driver of the Volkswagen, identified as 26-year-old Jose Manuel Zambrano Cruz, left the location, according to authorities.

A witness told police the Volkswagen was traveling eastbound on Las Palmas Drive at a high rate of speed before the collision.

Cruz was later found and arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run, DUI causing injury or death and vehicular manslaughter. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility.

Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact Traffic Accident Investigator Corporal Matt Bowen at 442-339-2282 or matt.bowen@carlsbadca.gov.

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