CHANDLER, AZ — Chandler police say a driver has been taken into custody after a crash that left a pedestrian dead early Monday morning.
The incident occurred around 7 a.m. near Ocotillo and McQueen roads.
According to police documents, the driver of the vehicle struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk and continued driving. That vehicle then struck another car nearby and the occupants of the suspect vehicle ran from the scene.
Both people from the vehicle were located in the area and the driver was detained.
Police say the man, identified as the 26-year-old driver of the car, had a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” on his breath, and a preliminary breath test resulted in a .181 BrAC (breath alcohol content).
The driver reportedly told officials that he “had been kicked off his job site earlier in the morning” due to his drinking.
He was arrested on charges including manslaughter, hit-and-run, and endangerment.
The pedestrian who was struck died from injuries suffered in the crash and has been identified as 73-year-old Melinda Epperson.
