Woman killed in hit-and-run in Merced

A 51-year-old Merced woman was killed Monday night when she was struck by a vehicle that left the scene, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The incident happened about 9 p.m. on Tyler Road, south of Childs Avenue. According to the CHP, the woman was believed to be walking south on the edge of Tyler when she was struck by the front of an unidentified vehicle.

Merced police identified her as Sharon Rene Seastrunk.

CHP public information officer Moises Onsurez said Seastrunk was wearing dark clothing. She may have been carried on the hood of the car for a short distance before landing on the roadway. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene. At this time, it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were factors, Onsurez said. Anyone with information on the incident or the vehicle should contact the CHP office at 209-356-2958.

Osurez said pedestrians and motorists must take safety measures, especially when it is dark. Pedestrians should wear reflective clothing and, if possible, carry a flashlight, he said. They also should use crosswalks and intersections. It is safest to walk on a sidewalk but, if there is no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic.

Motorists should be aware that pedestrians and bicyclists are on city streets and country roadways at all times of the day and night. Onsurez said drivers also should avoid being distracted while driving, and be extra cautious in high pedestrian locations, near schools, playgrounds and residential areas.

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 5:48 PM with the headline "Woman killed in hit-and-run in Merced."