Man killed in Hit-and-Run in Visalia
Posted on June 2, 2017 Written By: iadminlaw
Details About Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident in Visalia
May 31st ─ Eric Fisher, 35-years old of Visalia, was the victim of a hit-and-run accident in the vicinity of North Conyer Street and West Prospect Avenue in Visalia. The incident occurred at about 6:15 p.m. Saturday, during an altercation between two men in the area. According to eyewitnesses, a man who had been walking his dog got into a verbal argument with a male passenger of the suspected vehicle. Fisher tried to break up the fight, unsuccessful in diffusing the situation he began walking toward his house. The male passenger then got into the suspect’s vehicle, the suspect, 18-year old Chaylin Funez, made a U-turn and began going northbound on Conyer Street. Funez then accelerated her vehicle and slammed into Fisher. After the suspect’s vehicle struck Fisher, Funez crashed through a chain-link fence into the front yard of a house along Conyer Street. Funez then reversed into the street and drove west on Prospect, according to eyewitnesses, Fisher’s body was dragged for a block before dislodging. Fisher’s wife, Alice Fisher, witnessed the suspect’s vehicle hit her husband. Alice and other onlookers, including her 15-year-old daughter begged for the driver to stop, according to Alice’s sister, Maggie Langford.
“He was known for his kindness and generosity, he was that kind of guy”, said Langford when asked about her brother-in-law.
Driver Suspected of Deliberately Running Down Victim
Eyewitnesses told police it appeared as though Funez deliberately ran over Fisher. Eric Fisher was transported to a local hospital and where he later succumbed to his injuries and died. Police are now calling this a homicide case, and an attempt had been made to locate Funez. Police were tipped off about the vehicle and possible whereabouts of the suspects around 1:00 a.m. Police obtained a search warrant and took the car, which appeared to have visible collision damage. Funez and her male passenger were later located near the scene of the crime on Prospect Avenue and were arrested on suspicions of homicide and hit-and-run. The male passenger was later released due to lack of probable cause. Police are attempting to contact the other male involved who was walking his dog.
Memorial Erected for Victim
Neighbors erected a memorial at the location that Fisher was struck. Cruz Cervantes, who was a neighbor to Fisher, described him as “a good person. He had a good heart. He went to work, came back and kept a roof over his head. He was a cool dude”.
The investigation is still ongoing and the car will be thoroughly searched for evidence. The case will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office later this week.
Get Help from a Car Accident Lawyer in Visalia
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, I Accident Lawyer strongly encourages you to call our Visalia car accident attorneys. Our highly skilled and experienced attorneys will provide you with the best legal representation and guidance that you need. Our offices are conveniently located throughout California and we conduct regular travels in the region to meet with clients. Contact us today!
