Update (5:19 p.m.): The City of Tucson confirmed in a statement that this morning, at approximately 4:30 a.m., officers from Operations Division East and members from the Tucson Fire Department (TFD) responded to East Broadway Boulevard and South Craycroft Road regarding reports of a serious injury collision involving two vehicles. Officers and TFD personnel evaluated both drivers at the scene. One of the drivers was pronounced deceased while the other driver was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. The deceased driver has been identified as 47-year-old Omar Del Ra Soto. His next of kin has been notified of his passing. Traffic Detectives and Crime Scene Unit responded to continue the investigation.
Witness statements, in conjunction with roadway and physical evidence, determined that Mr. Soto was driving a Honda Civic and was in the process of making a left turn from northbound Craycroft Road on a green traffic signal, onto westbound Broadway Boulevard. At that time, a Kia EV6 was traveling eastbound on Broadway Boulevard and did not stop for the red traffic signal at Craycroft Road. The Kia struck the driver side of the Honda, disabling both vehicles in the roadway. Roadway evidence also indicated that the Kia was traveling above the posted 35 miles per hour speed limit. An officer from the Impaired Driving Enforcement Unit responded to the hospital and evaluated the driver of the Kia. It was determined that the driver was not impaired by alcohol and or drugs at the time of the collision.
The Kia’s speed and failing to stop for the red traffic signal is the primary focus. This is an ongoing investigation pending confirmation of the traffic light sequence and any vehicle speed factors. Additional information may be released at a later date as it becomes available. Anyone with any information regarding this collision should contact Tucson Police Department, or 88-CRIME where you can remain anonymous…