Tragedy in North Park, San Diego County
Authorities in San Diego have arrested a person for a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred on November 21 at an intersection in North Park. However, residents have expressed concerns about the safety in the area for some time.
"He was just a gem, there's no other way to describe it, he'd do anything for you, he was always there for whatever you needed," said Casey Callahan, friend of Stephen Debow.
Callahan is a friend of Debow, nicknamed "Debo". Both are originally from Pennsylvania.
Callahan described Debow as "the best kind of person, you couldn't make up the kind of friend he really was".
On November 21, Stephen was crossing the intersection of Utah Street and Polk Avenue in North Park on his way to meet friends. San Diego police reported that Donna Chapman Jacobs, 76, hit Debow at the intersection where he was walking and then left the scene.
Debow died six days later.
Callahan said Debow's death "has been a lot, it's hit in waves, but we're getting through it like a family".
San Diego police arrested Jacobs on Friday for aggravated vehicular homicide and hit-and-run causing death or serious injury. However, several North Park residents have been concerned about the area for some time. Matt Owens has lived in North Park for ten years.
"It's unfortunate that it happened, but honestly I'm not surprised," said Matthew Owens, North Park resident.
Owens said the intersection has only one poorly lit streetlight.
Owens explained: "It's a gamble because ironically, when this light isn't working or flickering, most of the light you get is from the baseball field, or you have to deal with their porch light being on".
Neighbors also argue that there should be a four-way stop sign at the intersection. Currently, there is only a two-way stop sign on Polk Avenue and nothing on the cross street of Utah Street.
Ben Revzin, a North Park resident, said he called the city and said, "hey, I want to request a stop sign at the nearby house, who can I transfer to?"
Revzin shared the voicemail the city left him, indicating that they have submitted a request for a stop sign.
"And I hope it's one of those lit stop signs, because we need people to always stop at the intersection," Revzin said. "Without a stop sign, I don't think this will be the last accident here".
While some people in the area argue it all comes down to people's courtesy, Serena Santos Pieve visits North Park at least three times a week for work.
"I think it's because we're all in a hurry, I think if we all took the time to be more mindful, situational awareness would pay off," Santos Pieve said.
Councilman Whitburn's office informed FOX 5 that they have requested the San Diego City Transportation Department to study traffic control measures to improve safety in the area.
Location: Utah Street & Polk Avenue, San Diego, CA, USA
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