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DRUNKEN DRIVER TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR HIT-AND-RUN CRASH THAT KILLED PEDESTRIAN SITTING ON SIDEWALK

Posted by Fay Arfa | Nov 06, 2015 | 0 Comments

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A drunken driver is scheduled to be arraigned today for hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian sitting on a sidewalk. Ramon Horta, 55, Santa Ana, is charged with one felony count of murder, one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury, hit and run with permanent injury or death, one misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended license due to a prior DUI, and sentencing enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life in state prison. He is being held on $1 million bail and is expected to be arraigned today in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.

At approximately 1:10 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2015, Horta is accused of driving a van, while under the influence of alcohol, traveling approximately 30 mph eastbound approaching the intersection of McFadden Avenue and Cedar Street in Santa Ana. He is accused of slowly veering the van to his right and driving over a curb and onto the sidewalk. He is accused of hitting and running over 24-year-old Marcello Bisarello, who was sitting on the sidewalk.

Horta is accused of tapping his brakes and looking over his right shoulder and rear window before continuing to drive eastbound on McFadden Avenue at the same speed. A good Samaritan called 911 and followed the defendant's vehicle and caused the defendant to pull over approximately half a mile from the scene of the crash.

The victim died at the scene from injuries he sustained in the crash. The Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) arrived to the scene and arrested Horta. SAPD investigated this case.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Mark Birney of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Orange County District Attorney / Case # 15CF2505 / November 05, 2015

About the Author

Fay Arfa

Fay Arfa has the distinction of being Certified as a Specialist in two separate areas of law – Criminal Law as well as Appellate Law – by the California State Bar, Board of Specialization. The National Board of Trial Advocacy has also awarded her a board Certification in Criminal Trial Advocacy. ...

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