By Crash News Writer 
San Juan Capistrano, CA (August 21, 2026) – A 23-year-old pedestrian, identified as Cesar Amilcar Zuniga Ruiz of Los Angeles, was killed in a hit-and-run crash in San Juan Capistrano on August 17. Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies discovered Ruiz lying injured in the roadway near Ortega Highway and La Novia Avenue shortly after 12:30 a.m. He suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the California Highway Patrol , California’s highway patrol agency serves communities throughout the state. For this incident, Orange County authorities said their preliminary investigation indicated that Ruiz was crossing the street when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver allegedly left the scene without stopping to check on the injured pedestrian.
Detectives later identified the suspected driver as 85-year-old Anthony Konstantine Kalomas of San Juan Capistrano. Authorities arrested Kalomas on August 18 and booked him into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of hit-and-run. The available report did not identify the make or model of the vehicle involved. The charge is an allegation, and Kalomas is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary information released about the investigation, and details may change as authorities continue reviewing the case. Readers seeking general information about accident-related claims can review frequently asked questions in California .
- The pedestrian killed in the crash was identified as 23-year-old Cesar Amilcar Zuniga Ruiz of Los Angeles.
- Anthony Konstantine Kalomas, 85, was arrested on August 18 and booked into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of hit-and-run.
- Additional details about the vehicle involved or other investigative findings were not provided in the available report.
Families affected by serious or fatal roadway incidents can also review accident resources in California for additional general information.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know has been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.
Families affected by a fatal pedestrian accident should consider contacting a California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss their rights and potential legal options.