A Thousand Oaks woman has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision that claimed the life of a local man last month. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of Janss Road and Windsor Drive, resulted in the death of 31-year-old Robert Paul Quiroz Jr., authorities said.
Tracy Nadine Smith, 51, was taken into custody after investigators found evidence linking her to the crime scene, according to a news release by the Thousand Oaks Police Department's Traffic Bureau. Prior to Smith's arrest, the bureau had conducted an in-depth investigation that led to the identification of the suspect vehicle. On New Year’s Eve, a traffic bureau member located the vehicle in Thousand Oaks, and Smith, who was found to be the driver at the time of the collision, was subsequently arrested, "Senior Deputy Marcos Moreno told Nixle.
On December 9th, around 6:06 AM, Quiroz was reportedly causing disturbances by running into the road and attempting to open car doors, before jumping into the back of a pickup truck, as obtained by Hoodline. In the tragic turn of events, dispatchers received calls about the man being unresponsive following the collision. Responders at the scene attempted life-saving measures, but Quiroz ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
After the collision, it appeared that the vehicle was heading westbound on Janss Road before turning north onto Montgomery Road. The investigators are still seeking witnesses, as Moreno emphasized the importance of public input to further the case, "If anyone has any additional information relating to the collision, please contact," he urged. Ventura County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and criminal complaint in connection with the incident.
The Traffic Bureau also took this opportunity to remind residents about the legal responsibilities of drivers in the event of an accident. In a statement obtained by Nixle, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident." The community's efforts to solve this crime have been recognized, with over 40 residents of Thousand Oaks having been contacted and providing helpful information.
Anyone with details can anonymously contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the circumstances that led to this tragic outcome.
