CASITAS SPRINGS : Man Killed While Crossing Highway

A 46-year-old man died Tuesday of injuries he suffered when he was struck by a car as he ran across California 33 in Casitas Springs, authorities said.

Richard Latta, 46, had just left the Casitas Market when he was hit by a car driven by Arman Hillario, 27, of Ojai about 8:25 p.m. Monday, officials said.

CHP Officer Steve Trueblood said it appeared that Latta ran directly into the path of Hillario’s car.

After the accident, Latta appeared to have only minor injuries and was alert, talking with an acquaintance and emergency personnel. He was taken to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of cuts and bruises, according to Craig Stevens, a senior deputy coroner.

But several hours after arriving at the hospital, Latta’s condition deteriorated rapidly and he was rushed into surgery. Latta was bleeding internally, but doctors were unable to locate the source of the bleeding.

Latta was pronounced dead about 3:15 a.m., Stevens said. An autopsy performed Tuesday showed that he died of traumatic chest injuries.

Latta owned a video store in the Ojai area at one time, but it had gone out of business, Stevens said.