Man Arrested Following Halloween Incident That Left Woman Dead, Baby Injured

Police today said they have arrested a motorist who was allegedly driving a vehicle from which a toddler and the child's 21-year-old mother either jumped or were pushed on Halloween night in Santa Ana, after which the woman died.

Fransico Montano, 21, turned himself and his black Toyota Rav4 into police on Friday, according to a department statement. Montano is the boyfriend of Gloria Sanchez and the father of the 13-month-old girl, according to the statement.

Montano, who was allegedly uncooperative with police, was booked on suspicion of felony hit and run. His bail was enhanced to $200,000, as he is considered a flight risk, according to the statement.

The toddler, and Sanchez, were either pushed or jumped from a vehicle about 8 p.m. Thursday in the 1600 block of West Edinger Avenue, police said.

Witnesses told police they saw the woman either jump or get pushed from a dark-colored pickup truck eastbound on Edinger, Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.

Both were taken to a hospital, where Sanchez was pronounced dead, Bertagna said. The toddler's injuries were not considered life-threatening, he said.

Police asked anyone with information about the case to call Santa Ana police at (714) 245-8390. Anonymous are also accepted by Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS. --City News Service