Santa Ana Hit-and-Run Driver Turns Himself In After Killing Cyclist
🤖 AI Generated ImageThe driver who hit and killed a 60-year-old cyclist in Santa Ana on June 19 has turned himself in. The Santa Ana Police Department announced Monday that 38-year-old Edjan Rocha of Santa Ana was arrested.
Rocha was booked into the Santa Ana Jail for vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run. Police said the arrest came after officers located the suspect vehicle abandoned nearby.
The fatal crash
Francois Primeau of Irvine was hit while cycling near Standard and Warner avenues at around 6:15 p.m. on June 19. Police responded and found Primeau lying on the roadway with serious injuries.
Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene by Orange County Fire Authority officials. The driver fled the scene before officers arrived.
Vehicle found abandoned
"During a canvass of the area where the collision occurred, SAPD's Parking Control Officers located the involved vehicle abandoned near Warner Ave. and Raitt St.," Santa Ana PD said. The vehicle was impounded as evidence.
Investigators used the vehicle to identify Rocha as the alleged driver. He later surrendered to police on June 22.
Third fatal bike crash in 6 weeks
Primeau's death marks the third fatal bicycling crash in Santa Ana in just six weeks, according to local cycling reports. Santa Ana ranks 6th worst for cyclist safety in California with over 100 annual injuries or fatalities.
The string of deaths has renewed calls for safer streets in Orange County. Advocates point to high-speed arterials like Warner Avenue as particularly dangerous for cyclists.
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Police response
Santa Ana PD thanked parking control officers for locating the vehicle quickly. The department said the case remains under investigation.
Rocha faces felony charges that could carry significant prison time under California law. Vehicular manslaughter with hit-and-run is prosecuted aggressively in Orange County.
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Community impact
Primeau, 60, was an Irvine resident remembered by family and fellow cyclists. His death adds to growing concern about cyclist safety in Southern California.
Local groups have documented multiple recent fatalities across the region, including Huntington Beach and Escondido crashes. Authorities continue to urge drivers to remain at crash scenes and call 911.
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Key Takeaways
- Edjan Rocha, 38, surrendered June 22 for June 19 fatal hit-and-run
- Victim Francois Primeau, 60, of Irvine, killed while cycling
- Crash at Standard and Warner avenues around 6:15 p.m.
- Vehicle found abandoned at Warner Ave. and Raitt St., impounded as evidence
- Charges: vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run
- Third Santa Ana bike fatality in 6 weeks, city ranks 6th worst in CA for cyclist safety.
Sources
- John Ross Ferrara, KTLA/News report (user-provided text, June 22, 2026)
- BikinginLA / CricketMedium – Santa Ana cyclist fatality context
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