El Paso Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash on I-10 Leaves Woman Dead and Two Seriously Injured

El Paso Special Traffic Investigators (STI) are probing a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred at milemarker #18 on I-10 East on Saturday night, December 16th at 7:35 pm.

The incident involved a Dodge Charger with a flat tire that had pulled over on the center median to address the issue. While one pedestrian was changing the tire, others were attempting to alert oncoming traffic to slow down.

55-year-old Aileen Ortigoza, driving a 2010 Acura, observed the pedestrians and slowed down to ensure their safety. However, a Ford Mustang in the same lane swerved left, entered the center median to avoid or to pass Ortigoza’s vehicle, and collided with the Charger and three pedestrians.

Following the collision, the Mustang continued into traffic, striking another vehicle before becoming disabled on the right-hand shoulder near the Porfirio Diaz overpass. The driver of the Mustang fled the scene on foot, abandoning the vehicle.

Tragically, 38-year-old Perla Vasquez of Clint lost her life at the scene, while two other pedestrians, 21-year-old Saul Sigala Jr. of Clint and 15-year-old Donovan Sigala, sustained severe leg injuries and were rushed to University Medical Center. The remaining two pedestrians emerged unharmed.

A 17-year-old woman driving a Volkswagen Jetta was present as a witness to the crash.

Special Traffic Investigators are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Non-Emergency number at 915-832-4400. Alternatively, individuals can provide anonymous tips by calling Crime Stoppers at 915-566-8477.