Pregnant Pedestrian Dies In DUI Crash, Driver Arrested

ANAHEIM, CA — A 40-year-old Garden Grove woman faces vehicular manslaughter and DUI charges after allegedly hitting a woman who was 35 weeks pregnant with her SUV in Anaheim, killing the woman and leaving the baby in critical condition, authorities said Wednesday.

The collision occurred just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on Katella Avenue, near Bayless Street, according to Sgt. Shane Carringer of the Anaheim Police Department.

The 23-year-old woman was walking on the sidewalk with her husband when the white Jeep jumped the curb and struck her, Carringer said.

Anaheim paramedics rushed the woman to UCI Medical Center where "a caesarean section was performed to deliver the baby," he said. "The adult pedestrian, an Anaheim resident, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The newborn baby girl was admitted in critical condition to UCI's neonatal intensive care unit."

The Jeep driver, identified as Courtney Pandolfi, was also taken to UCI Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries prior to her arrest on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, DUI and driving on a suspended license, Carringer said. "With two previous DUI arrests, Pandolfi may face a murder charge," he said.

Any witnesses were asked to call Anaheim police at 714-765-1474.