SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — Relatives have publicly identified the pedestrian struck and killed in a convenience store parking lot on August 31 as 40-year-old Simi Valley resident Juan Huerta Rosales, affectionately known throughout the community as "Pato."
The tragedy unfolded late Monday afternoon in the 1300 block of Erringer Road, prompting a rapid police response, a neighborhood search, and the eventual arrest of a suspect.
According to family updates and public safety advisories published by the Simi Valley Police Department, Rosales died at the scene after being struck by a vehicle in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven establishment located at 1369 Erringer Road.
Police Investigation and Suspect Arrest
Dispatchers at the Simi Valley Police Department received multiple emergency calls at approximately 4:15 p.m. reporting a collision involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian inside the retail shopping plaza.
When patrol officers and paramedic units arrived, they located Rosales suffering from fatal physical injuries. Medical personnel evaluated the victim at the location, but despite emergency life-saving efforts, Rosales succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Accident investigators determined that the driver involved in the collision fled the location immediately after the impact without stopping to render aid, check on the victim, or contact emergency services as required by California state law.
Patrol officers searching surrounding commercial districts located the involved automobile abandoned a short distance away. A short time later, officers located and arrested suspected driver Abel Alvaro, 40, a resident of Simi Valley.
Alvaro was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on suspicion of violating California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a)—felony hit-and-run resulting in death.
"Our hearts are broken as we share the unexpected loss of our beloved Juan Huerta Rosales, who so many knew and loved simply as 'Pato.' On August 31, 2026, Pato tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in Simi Valley," family representative Rebecca Huerta shared in a public statement.
"Anyone who knew Pato knew his kind heart, his sense of humor, and the way he could always make people smile. He leaves behind his loving mother, his brothers and sisters, family, friends, and so many people throughout Simi Valley whose lives he touched," Huerta added.
Community Rallies to Support Grieving Family
In the wake of the sudden tragedy, Rosales' family established a verified memorial campaign to assist with sudden funeral expenses, cemetery costs, and related financial burdens.
Because of language barriers within the immediate family, Rebecca Huerta organized the memorial fundraiser on behalf of her cousin and extended family members.
In addition to financial assistance, the Rosales family is asking community members, local business patrons, and friends who knew "Pato" to contribute stories, photos, and personal memories to help comfort his grieving mother and siblings.
Local traffic investigators from the Simi Valley Police Department Traffic Bureau continue to review physical evidence, vehicle diagnostics, and commercial security video to complete their official collision reconstruction report.
To assist the family during this heartbreaking time, community members can make direct contributions or share personal memories through the Official Juan "Pato" Huerta Rosales GoFundMe Page.