A woman accused of striking a boy on a bicycle along a back alley in Pacific Beach, then running him over again in what police say was an attempt to flee, was identified Monday.
Hudson, 6, did not survive the injuries suffered when 32-year-old Tiffany Sanchez, according to San Diego police, struck the boy as he crossed the alley she was turning into near Ingraham Street and Pacific Beach Drive around 3:45 p.m. Saturday.
Investigators said after Hudson was struck the first time, Sanchez paused for a few seconds, then accelerated southbound through the alley, again running the boy over in the process.
The boy was transported to a hospital, where he died.
The suspect’s vehicle was found in National City at a later time, and the driver was taken into custody. Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash and much remains under investigation. Sanchez does not appear to be in police custody Monday, but it is not clear if bail was posted or if she was released.
Since the accident, people who knew Hudson and the community have been showing their love and support through a growing memorial. They have also been asking drivers to slow down in his honor.
An online family fundraiser describes Hudson as a bright and curious child who attended school in North Park, loved science, and whose contagious energy and spirit lit every room, adding that he had a passion for BMX, cycling, swimming, and building with Legos, and that he brought so much joy, kindness, and wonder to everyone he met.
At the site of the incident, neighbors and family friends have stopped by to drop off flowers, messages of love, and candles to honor Hudson’s life and memory. While NBC 7 was there, people who knew him dropped off posters with photos of Hudson and his family.
Courtney Rogers, a nearby resident, said Ingraham and Pacific Beach Drive are highly trafficked streets, making the road unsafe for pedestrians, cyclists, and even drivers.
“They just need to have more stop signs, lights, warning signs, flashing lights, I mean anything that we could do,” Rogers said.
Mark Johnston, who rides his bike along Pacific Beach Drive about three times a week, agrees.
“I think one of the major problems with safety on this road from my perspective is that there’s nothing to calm traffic between the major junctions,” Johnston said.
They hope Hudson’s memory serves as a reminder for drivers to slow down and prompts changes on that road to keep another tragedy from happening.
Police ask that anyone with information related to the incident call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.