Homeland woman faces DUI charge in Encanto fatality

A Homeland woman was identified as the driver booked on suspicion of DUI in a Sunday morning traffic accident that killed a pedestrian on Encanto Drive in Menifee.

Kathy Vargas, 19, stayed at the scene and cooperated with police, according to a Sheriff's Department news release. She was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and was booked into county jail. Encanto Drive was closed for several hours during the investigation.

The accident occurred at 1:16 a.m. when the suspect, driving north on Encanto approaching Ethanac Road, drove across the southland lane and struck two pedestrians who were walking northbound on the shoulder of the roadway, according to a Sheriff's Department news release. One pedestrian, identified only as a 26-year-old female from Perris, died. The other pedestrian complained of neck pain but declined medical treatment.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision and has not been interviewed is asked to call Officer Kiebach at the Perris Police Department, 951-210-1074.