A 34-year-old man was arrested on felony charges early Thursday morning after allegedly driving under the influence and striking two pedestrians in a hit-and-run crash in Tulare that left one person dead and another seriously injured, according to the Tulare Police Department.
The collision occurred just after midnight near the intersection of Paseo Del Lago and Viognier Street. Police say a woman and her boyfriend were on foot in the area when they were struck by a vehicle. The male victim was taken by emergency personnel to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries. The woman sustained serious injuries and her current condition has not been publicly released. The identities of both victims have been withheld by authorities pending family notification.
After striking the pedestrians, the driver and a passenger fled the scene without stopping or rendering aid. Investigating officers located two men concealed behind residential trash cans in the vicinity and took both into custody without incident shortly after the crash.
The driver was identified as Abraham Payeras, 34, of Tulare. He was arrested and booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and gross vehicular manslaughter. Information regarding the passenger taken into custody has not been publicly released, and no additional charges have been announced at this time.
The Tulare Police Department confirmed the crash remains under active investigation.