Man Accused of Fatally Striking Senior in Pasadena While Drunk and Fleeing Scene Denies Manslaughter Charge

Police and firefighters work at the scene of a hit-and-run collision that left a pedestrian dead at Orange Grove Boulevard and North Marengo Avenue in Pasadena on Nov. 13, 2020. (Credit: RMG News)

A Victorville man accused of striking and killing a pedestrian in Pasadena and fleeing the scene earlier this month pleaded not guilty Monday to charges resulting from the collision, authorities said.

Alberto Fernandez, 20, faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and hit-and-run in connection with the Nov. 13 collision at Orange Grove Boulevard and North Marengo Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Bobby Joe Taylor, 64, died at the scene of the collision, according to Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner officials. He was listed in coroner’s records as transient, although police said he was believed to frequent Pasadena.

After denying the charges in Los Angeles County Superior Court, a hearing in the case was scheduled for Jan. 11, said District Attorney’s Office spokesman Ricardo Santiago.

Fernandez was at the wheel of a vehicle headed east on Orange Grove Boulevard when he struck Taylor and continued on without stopping to help, Pasadena Police Department officials said.

California Highway Patrol officers pulled him over for an unrelated traffic violation in Monrovia several hours later, according to Pasadena police Lt. Sean Dawkins. They noticed damage on his vehicle and quickly linked him to the deadly hit-and-run in Pasadena. Investigators also determined Fernandez was under the influence of alcohol.

Bail for Fernandez has been set at $100,000, according to county booking records.

Anyone with information can reach the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.