Melanie Alexandra Feliciano Killed in Rollover Crash on Highway 94 [Spring Valley, CA]

Fatal DUI Collision near Campo Road and Sweetwater Springs Boulevard Exit, Rene Ruiz Arrested

SPRING VALLEY, CA (September 17, 2018) – A woman was killed Monday afternoon following a rollover crash near Campo Road and Sweetwater Springs Boulevard. The deceased victim was later identified by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office as 24-year-old Melanie Alexandra Feliciano.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident took place at about 1:50 PM. A 1999 Mercedes-Benz was on the eastbound side of Highway 94 when it lost control, slammed into the center barrier, and overturned.

Feliciano, who was sitting on the center console, became trapped in the vehicle while suffering from serious injuries. Firefighters arrived at the crash site and rushed the victim to the Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, where she died at 3:09 PM.

Meanwhile, the driver and a second passenger did not render aid to the victim and fled the scene on foot. They were later found injured and hiding in a canyon southwest of the highway off-ramp. The driver, identified as 27-year-old Rene Ruiz, was taken into custody on suspicion of felony counts of manslaughter with gross negligence, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence of drugs. Ruiz was booked into the San Diego Central Jail and is being held without bail.

The second passenger, identified as a 22-year-old La Mesa woman, was transported to Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest with serious injuries. Updates on her current medical condition were not available.

If convicted, Ruiz faces 20 years to life in prison. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 28. No other information has been released to the public at this time.

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We at Sweet Law Group offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Melanie Alexandra Feliciano. May she rest in peace.

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