Virginio Cortez Killed, Jose Ramiro Sanchez Jr. Arrested After Suspected DUI Collision on Highway 101 near Laurel Drive

Virginio Cortez Hit and Killed by Car While Changing Tire along Highway 101 in Salinas

Salinas, California: The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified the man who was hit and killed by a DUI suspect Saturday afternoon in Salinas as Virginio Cortez, 77, of Salinas.

The collision took place around 1:07 p.m. on southbound Highway 101 south of Laurel Drive.

According to investigators, Cortez was changing a tire of a silver Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck on the right shoulder. A maroon Nissan Altima was on the right shoulder in front of the pickup truck and a 38-year-old Salinas woman was standing near the pickup truck.

Authorities said 24-year-old Jose Ramiro Sanchez Jr. of Salinas was driving a black 2005 Acura TL in the No. 2 lane, approaching the pickup truck.

Sanchez Jr. veered off the roadway and side-swiped the Salinas woman. His car continued south and struck Cortez and the pickup truck.

The pickup was pushed into the rear of the Nissan and the pickup then overturned onto its right side.

The Acura spun out and collided with a white 2003 Honda Pilot driven by a 29-year-old Soledad man.

Cortez died at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.

The Salinas woman sustained abdominal contusions. She was hospitalized at Natividad Medical Center for treatment of major injuries.

The occupants of the Honda, including at least two children, were not injured.

Sanchez Jr. was taken to Natividad Medical Center with moderate injuries. He was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing.