Police make hit-run arrest

GLENDALE — A Glendale resident was arrested Saturday after she allegedly struck an 86-year-old man in a crosswalk at Central Avenue and Lexington Drive with her Ford Thunderbird and then fled the scene.

Elva Terraza, 47, was taken into custody on suspicion of hit-and-run after police tracked her down through a license plate number, Glendale Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz said. She is being held in the city’s jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond.

The crash occurred at 10:04 a.m. when Terraza made a right turn onto Lexington and struck Glendale resident Garabet Toumbalian in the crosswalk, sending him onto the car’s hood, Lorenz said.

Toumbalian was taken by ambulance to Glendale Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for a broken knee and multiple cuts to his body, Lorenz said.

Another motorist saw the crash and got a description of Terraza’s car and memorized the license plate number, Lorenz said.

Police traced the license plate number to an address in the 100 block of West Elk Avenue, Lorenz said. The license plate number was registered to Terraza’s husband.

She was later apprehended at an apartment on the 300 block of Pioneer Drive, Lorenz said.

Another Glendale man was hit by a motorist about 2 p.m. Friday in a crosswalk on Central Avenue. In that collision, the motorist stopped to help the 77-year-old man, who was taken to Glendale Memorial Hospital, Lorenz said.

The collisions occurred nearly a week after police conducted a public outreach campaign on pedestrian safety.

“It’s always a disappointment,” Sgt. Dennis Smith said of the pedestrian-vehicle accidents. “I kind of take it personal.”

Smith organized a Feb. 28 public outreach effort during which Glendale police community service officers walked along Colorado Street and handed out brochures with pedestrian safety tips.

Despite police efforts to promote safe pedestrian behavior as a way to cut down on accidents, “unfortunately, we know we are going to get some,” he said.