Monterey County, California — California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating a hit-and-run crash that resulted in a fatality on Wednesday morning. The incident involving two vehicles occurred at approximately 6:17 a.m. on Alisal Road, north of Hartnell Road.
According to CHP, a Nissan Altima driven by a 68-year-old Salinas man was traveling south on Alisal Road and slowing down to turn left into an agricultural field. A 67-year-old Salinas woman was in the passenger seat. Simultaneously, a white 2001 GMC Yukon was also heading south on Alisal Road, approaching the Nissan from behind.
The GMC attempted to pass the Nissan by moving into the northbound lane just as the Nissan began its left turn. This maneuver resulted in the GMC striking the left rear of the Nissan, causing the Nissan to veer into a ditch on the east side of the road. The GMC came to a halt facing the northbound lane in the southbound lane.
The driver of the Nissan sustained severe head injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center. Tragically, the passenger, identified by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office as Maria Elena Chavez de Chavez, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The GMC driver, identified as Adolfo Rosales Diaz, 64, of Salinas, fled the scene but was apprehended six hours later, a few miles from the crash site. He faces charges of hit-and-run causing injury and death, and vehicular manslaughter. His bail is set at $10,000. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities yet to determine if alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash.
