A 31-year-old pedestrian crossing Owens Street from an alley near the Madera Drive In Theater was struck by a northbound car and killed Monday night about 6:20, according to the Madera Police Department.
Officers said the man, Alejanro Mata-Torres, lived in the area.
He was wearing dark clothing, and the area south of Williams Street was dark and without streetlights, police said. A cell phone belonging to the victim was found nearby. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cpl. Brent Cederquist said the driver of the car, a 50-year-old Madera woman, stopped at the scene and will not likely face charges in the incident.
“The driver was not found to be under the influence and speed does not appear to be a factor,” said Cederquist. “The car had damage to the passenger’s side hood. The incident is still under investigation but the pedestrian may have been walking towards Cleveland or Gateway, talking on or looking down at his phone and did not see the car approaching. No alcohol was found at the scene. Toxicology reports are pending,” Cederquist said.
Officers encourage all pedestrians to avoid distractions and to always be aware of their surroundings at all times, while crossing streets or in parking lots, especially at night.