Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Department of Public Safety’s Highway Patrol Section says its investigation into Wednesday’s fatal auto‑pedestrian crash in Puerto Rico points to pedestrian error, according to Highway Patrol investigator Sgt. Adrian Mendiola.
The victim, identified Thursday as Gloria Lucero Sanchez, 68, died from head trauma after she was struck around 7:30 a.m. near the Shell gas station. The vehicle involved was a Toyota RAV4 driven by an on-duty firefighter who was heading to a training session in his personal car.
DPS officials did not identify the firefighter at Thursday’s press conference, but Variety later learned the operator was DFEMS Lt. Patrick George.
DPS initially released conflicting ages for the victim — first 77, then 67 — but Mendiola said they have now confirmed her age — 68 — through next-of-kin and official identification.
“This is the information we have as accurate, so we’re sticking with it,” he said.
Curve in roadway, limited visibility cited
Mendiola said surveillance footage, roadway mapping, and witness statements indicate Sanchez crossed the roadway at a curve, reducing the driver’s reaction time.
“This case points to pedestrian error,” he said. “We advise people not to cross at a curve, crest, or grade of a roadway. Unfortunately, she crossed at a curve, which limited the driver’s reaction time.”
Sanchez was crossing from Industrial Drive toward Sadog Tasi (Barangka Lane), moving west to east. The driver reported seeing her only briefly in his peripheral vision.
Footage also showed Sanchez shifting from walking to running, prompted by another vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, Mendiola said. “We have to consider reaction time for the driver to apply the brakes and come to a safe stop.”
Skid marks at the scene indicate the driver braked shortly after impact.
No signs of impairment or distraction
The firefighter underwent a breathalyzer test, as required by DPS policy for on-duty personnel involved in crashes. Investigators found no evidence of impairment or distraction, reviewing the driver’s phone as part of the process.
The driver immediately rendered aid, performing CPR until medics arrived. The crash occurred near the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., allowing for quick transport to the hospital.
Mendiola said the driver was traveling “within the flow of traffic,” and surveillance footage showed other vehicles moving faster.
DPS urges safer pedestrian behavior
DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas said the press conference was held to correct misinformation and address public concerns, particularly about unsafe pedestrian crossings.
“I am a bit concerned about people just dodging into the roadway,” he said. “My advice is to go to the nearest crosswalk and use it. You get more protection in a crosswalk than in a non-crosswalk.”
Macaranas said some pedestrians choose convenience over safety, crossing at points where drivers have limited visibility. He emphasized that both drivers and pedestrians share responsibility.
“If it weren’t for the vehicle stopping, you wouldn’t have a crash. If it weren’t for the pedestrian crossing, we wouldn’t have the crash,” he said.
This is the second auto‑pedestrian incident in the area in recent months, according to DPS.
Mendiola said investigators are nearing completion of the case and remain in contact with the victim’s family.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
