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On March 18, 2025, at 4:15 p.m., patrol officers from Tucson’s South side responded to the 7200 block of South San Fernando Avenue for the report of a collision involving a pedestrian. The vehicle involved fled from the collision scene without stopping. Tucson Fire Department personnel arrived and transported the pedestrian to Banner University Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. Police identified the victim pedestrian as 43-year-old Cesar Francsico Gutierrez. Next of kin was notified. Traffic Detectives were called to the scene and continued the investigation.
Witness interviews conducted by officers and detectives, in conjunction with roadway evidence, determined that Mr. Gutierrez was walking southbound in the southbound lane of San Fernando. The pedestrian was walking his bicycle when the suspect vehicle struck him from behind. The vehicle never stopped and continued southbound. After initial review, it appeared the suspect vehicle had deliberately targeted the victim. The investigation was then transferred to TPD’s Homicide Unit.
Homicide detectives, along with officers from Operations Division South/Community Response Team, quickly began searching the neighborhood for the suspect vehicle. Police identified the vehicle as a silver Hyundai Accent with front-end damage. ODS/CRT officers located the suspect car at a residence, less than a mile away from where the victim was struck.
Investigators obtained a warrant to search the car and a shed on the property. The owner of the vehicle, identified as 24-year-old Jesus Edward Manuel Sierra, was detained and contacted by homicide detectives. After they processed the vehicle and conducted interviews, detectives charged Jesus Sierra with 2nd Degree Murder. Officers transported and booked Mr. Sierra into the Pima County Jail where he is currently being held on a $500,000 bond.
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