Driver arrested after allegedly deliberately hitting two pedestrians in Gaslamp

A woman was arrested Saturday after she allegedly deliberately struck and seriously injured two female pedestrians in the Gaslamp Quarter, according to police.

An officer was on a routine patrol in the 500 block of Fourth Avenue at about 8 a.m. Saturday when he witnessed a 4-door Kia Optima rapidly approach and veer in the direction of two female pedestrians who were crossing the street at the intersection of Fourth and Island Avenues, according to the San Diego Police Department. The vehicle collided with both pedestrians.

The Kia attempted to turn eastbound onto Island Ave. The officer initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle yielded at Fifth and Island Avenues, police said.

The driver, identified as Annabel Fernandez, exited the driver seat of the vehicle. She was detained and evaluated for possible drunk driving, according to authorities.

“During the investigation it was discovered that Fernandez had been involved in a physical altercation with both pedestrians prior to the collision,” SDPD Officer David O’Brien said. “Fernandez had exited the location and waited in her car for them to leave before accelerating toward them as they crossed the street.”

Fernandez was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and two counts of attempted murder.

The pedestrians sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized.