Turlock man arrested in hit-and-run accident that killed three

Police on Monday arrested a 28-year-old man on several felony charges in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that killed two women and a child Saturday night.

Luis Miguel Cruz, 28, of Turlock faces charges including hit-and-run, driving under the influence and three counts of vehicular manslaughter, Turlock Police Lt. Ron Reid said.

Cruz and a passenger in his white BMW were taken into custody Saturday night after the incident at Boxwood Way and Rockwood Avenue.

According to witnesses, the car was speeding in the area when it missed a turn and struck Brian Flores, 4; his mother, Julia Flores, 20; and her mother-in-law, Elena Flores, 47, as they walked on a sidewalk. Emily Flores, 2, was walking with her family but wasn’t injured.

The car then slammed into a house, and the driver, later identified as Cruz, and a passenger got out and ran away.

Three passers-by stopped and detained Cruz, Reid said. The passenger, whose name was not released, ran into a nearby house and was taken into custody after police got a search warrant. The passenger is not facing charges at this time, but the investigation is continuing, Reid said.

Police initially released Cruz without charging him. “We were confident that we would be able to keep track of him,” Reid said.

Cruz was arrested at the Turlock Police Department and would be booked into Stanislaus County Jail on Monday evening, Reid said.

While Reid said police were grateful for those who stopped Cruz, “We never encourage people to step in(to dangerous situations). Bad things can happen.”

“We appreciate it, but it’s best to be a witness and give police the best information.”

Reid said several other people also ran to the scene to try to render medical aid to the victims.

“The citizens in this case all helped,” he said. “All the cooperation is very much appreciated.”

A visitation for the victims will be held at noon Tuesday, followed by a rosary at 7 p.m., both at Allen Mortuary in Turlock. Contributions to help defray expenses for the family may be sent to the mortuary at 247 N. Broadway, Turlock 95380. For more information, call (209) 634-5829.

A Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Sept. 17 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1200 Lyons Ave., Turlock. The bodies will be transported to Mexico for burial.

“We really appreciate all the help, prayers and support given us,” said Deisy Trevizo, a family member. “We want to tell everyone God bless you and thanks.”

This story was originally published September 8, 2014 at 4:30 PM with the headline "Turlock man arrested in hit-and-run accident that killed three."