Ronald Cruz Killed in Car Accident with Impaired Driver

Phoenix, Arizona—Ronald Cruz, age 53, died in an accident Friday morning when a reportedly impaired driver struck his car near 16th Street and Buckeye Road. 

According to Phoenix Police Department investigators, Martin Perez, age 25, was driving a silver pickup truck northbound on 16th Street when he crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a black sedan driven by an as-yet unidentified woman. 

Perez continued driving against oncoming traffic until he collided with Mr. Cruz’s southbound silver sedan.  Mr. Cruz died at the scene.  The woman driving the first vehicle was not injured but was transported to the hospital for observation because she is pregnant.  

Perez was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of manslaughter and endangerment. 

We offer our sympathy to Ronald Cruz’s family and friends at this time of great loss for them.