Suspect Named in Traffic Death of 3-Year-Old Girl
A week after a van struck and killed a 3-year-old girl in Stanton, then fled, police issued an arrest warrant for Octavio Munoz Ruiz in the hit-and-run death.
Sheriff’s investigators allege that Ruiz was driving a 1986 Ford Aerostar van when he hit Kathy Ducksworth as she crossed the 8900 block of Pacific Avenue shortly after 1:30 p.m. July 23.
Kathy was holding her older brother Devon’s hand when she was struck. He was not injured.
Ruiz, 23, abandoned the van a few blocks from the crime scene, Sheriff’s Lt. Hector Rivera said.
One of Ruiz’s relatives owns the van, Rivera said.
Witnesses to the incident helped lead officials to Ruiz, a Stanton resident who has no criminal record, said Rivera.
The Sheriff’s Department asked anyone who has information about Ruiz’s whereabouts to call (714) 647-7055.
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