Tow Truck Driver Killed in Hit-and-Run

A tow truck driver was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu Monday night.

The hit-and-run crash was reported just before 9 p.m. Monday on eastbound PCH between John Tyler Drive and Puerco Canyon Road in Malibu, according to Lost Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Treinen of the Lost Hills/Sheriff's Station.

The tow truck driver, who was assisting a SUV, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to sheriff's Lt. Robert Wiard.

The man was identified as Ronald Carver, 45, of Newbury Park, Sgt. Philip Brooks said. Carver worked for Westlake-based Plantinum Towing.

"The victim was finishing hooking up a car when he was struck by a silver Audi that hit the ramp of the tow vehicle, did a complete barrel role and continued south on PCH," Brooks said.

Two miles south Jill Rose, 44, of Santa Monica crashed into a parked car near the Malibu Pier, Brooks said.

Rose was treated for head injuries and other non-life threatening injuries, and a witness identified her as the driver who struck Carver, he said.

Rose is facing felony hit and run and possibly some type of vehicular manslaughter charges.

Investigators took a blood sample, which will help determine if she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the crash.

The woman whose SUV was being loaded onto the tow truck bed was not hurt in the crash.

"She was on the landward side of the tow truck," Brooks said.

The sergeant added that he knew Carver, who leaves behind a wife and three children.

The crashes and subsequent investigation prompted the closure of both eastbound lanes of Pacific Coast Highway near John Tyler Drive and one eastbound lane near Malibu Pier.