A 31-year-old woman who was killed in a hit-and-run collision in Palmdale was identified Tuesday.
Officers responded around 5:10 p.m. Friday near Avenue N and 22nd Street West to reports of a four-vehicle collision, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Further investigation revealed that a 25-year-old man driving a 2008 Mercedes westbound on Avenue N attempted to pass another vehicle by using the north shoulder at a high rate of speed, authorities said. He lost control, crossed into the eastbound lanes and collided with a 2021 Lexus IS compact executive car before striking the front of a 2022 Honda HR-V subcompact crossover SUV.
Debris from the crash also damaged a 2019 Honda Accord sedan.
The at-fault driver, identified only as 25-year-old K. Littiz, and his passenger, 22-year-old K. Wright — both of Compton — ran from the crash site but were later located and taken into custody, according to the CHP.
Investigators said they believe drug impairment was a factor in the fatal collision.
The deceased victim was identified Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Office of Medical Examiner as Chelsea Jewkes from Lancaster, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three other victims were taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center with injuries ranging from moderate to severe, including a 32-year-old man from Palmdale.
Both Littiz and Wright were booked at the Palmdale sheriff’s station.
Investigators also said Littiz had been involved in a separate, unrelated crash prior to the fatal collision on Avenue N.
Anyone with information regarding the fatal hit-and-run collision was urged to call the CHP Antelope Valley-area office at 661-743-6060. Calls after business hours should be made to the Los Angeles Traffic Management Center at 323-259-3200.