UPDATE (1/30/26): On Jan. 29, the driver of the jeep, 23-year-old Paul Eduardo Meza-Cortez, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, leaving the scene of a fatal collision and felony criminal damage.
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Meza-Cortez is being held on a $500,000 bond.
On January 18, 2026, at 7:05p.m., officers from Operations Division Midtown responded to the 4000 block of East Fort Lowell Road reference the report of a collision. Tucson Fire Department personnel responded to the collision scene and evaluated the parties involved. The driver of red 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage, 28-year-old Angela Marie King, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Next of kin for Ms. King has been notified of her passing. The second vehicle was a black 2017 Jeep Wrangler. The driver of the Jeep, a 23-year-old male, and his 17-year-old male passenger, fled the scene on foot after the collision. Responding officers, with the assistance of the K9 and air units, were able to detain them nearby. Traffic Detectives responded for further investigation.
Witness interviews and roadway evidence determined that Ms. King was traveling eastbound on Fort Lowell Road, in the curb lane, when she was struck. The Jeep had been driving westbound on Fort Lowell Road, but crossed into oncoming traffic, and struck Ms. King head-on. The Jeep was traveling above the posted 35 miles-per-hour speed limit.
Both occupants of the Jeep were transported to Banner University Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation remains ongoing. Charges are pending their release from the hospital and further test results.
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