ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 12, 2020) – On Thursday, August 11, 2020, at 7:36 pm, Anaheim Police officers responded to a major injury traffic collision on Katella Avenue near Bayless Street. The resulting investigation revealed a white Jeep SUV was traveling eastbound on Katella Avenue when the vehicle jumped the southern curb and began traveling on the sidewalk. The SUV struck a 23-year-old female pedestrian and narrowly missed her husband. The female pedestrian was 35 weeks pregnant. Anaheim Fire and Rescue arrived on scene and transported the pedestrian to UCI Medical Center in the City of Orange where a caesarean section was performed to deliver the baby. The adult pedestrian, an Anaheim resident, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The newborn baby girl was admitted in critical condition to UCI’s neonatal intensive care unit.
The driver of the Jeep SUV, 40-year-old, Garden Grove resident Courtney Pandolfi, was transported to UCI Medical Center for minor injuries before being placed under arrest for vehicular manslaughter, felony driving under the influence, and driving on a suspended license. With two previous DUI arrests, Pandolfi may face a murder charge.
Any witness to the collision is urged to contact the Anaheim Police Department as 714-765-1474.
No additional updates will be provided before 7:30 am on Wednesday, August 12, 2020.
