Pedestrian killed in south Modesto identified

A woman who was struck by a car and died in south Modesto early Sunday morning was identified by the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office as a 44-year-old transient.

Police said, for unknown reasons, Sheila Henderson ran into traffic on Crows Landing Road from the Oak Motel near Imperial Avenue at about 5:30 a.m.

She was struck by a Ford truck traveling south, driven by 21-year-old Christian Chavez.

He stopped to check on the victim before fleeing the area, said Modesto Police spokeswoman Heather Graves. A short time later Chavez returned to the collision scene and is cooperating with investigators.

Graves said it is unknown what, if any, charges Chavez will face. Drug or alcohol impairment do not appear to be a factor.

Police are asking anyone who has information about the accident to call Officer Boyle at209-572-9500 or or call Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can text information to Crime Stoppers at 274637; type “TIP704” along with the message.

This story was originally published July 13, 2015 at 6:01 PM with the headline "Pedestrian killed in south Modesto identified."