A man has been arrested after a hit-and-run crash left a pedestrian with major injuries in Santa Ana on July 27, 2026. According to the Santa Ana Police Department, officers responded to the area of Auto Mall Drive and Edinger Avenue at approximately 7:23 a.m. after receiving reports of a pedestrian collision. Investigators said the driver of a black pickup truck towing a red trailer struck the pedestrian before fleeing the scene without stopping to render aid. The injured pedestrian was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. After an extensive investigation, police identified the suspect as 43-year-old Rigoberto Martinez Villalpando of Moreno Valley. As investigators continued searching for the suspect, officers eventually located the black pickup truck and red trailer in Moreno Valley.
Police later served a search warrant at Villalpando’s residence, where he was taken into custody on August 13. Authorities have not released the identity of the injured pedestrian or additional information regarding the victim’s condition. Detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and gathering additional evidence. The Santa Ana Police Department’s investigation into the hit-and-run crash remains ongoing.
At the Medler Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping victims of pedestrian accidents, especially those injured in hit-and-run accidents, recover the compensation they deserve. We immediately investigate every pedestrian accident by obtaining police reports, securing surveillance and traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, preserving physical evidence, and working with accident reconstruction experts to identify the responsible driver whenever possible. In hit-and-run cases, we aggressively pursue every available lead and work closely with law enforcement while also exploring uninsured motorist coverage and every other potential source of compensation. Even when the at-fault driver is not immediately identified, our attorneys act quickly to protect our clients’ legal rights and build the strongest possible case.
We fight to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, and every other damage resulting from pedestrian accidents. We handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies so our clients can focus on healing instead of battling adjusters. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. At the Medler Law Firm, we proudly stand beside victims of pedestrian accidents and their families every step of the way while aggressively protecting their rights under California law.
For free consultations, call us at 949-577-8177
