IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. — A man accused of a fatal hit and run in Imperial Beach this week was arraigned at the South Bay Courthouse.
Eric Cox, 62, is accused of hitting and killing a woman while he was allegedly under the influence of alcohol on Wednesday night. He pleaded not guilty Friday.
Cox is a nurse at Scripp and is accused of hitting and killing a woman in the 1100 block of Connecticut Street in Imperial Beach.
Through an investigation, deputies learned a red Chevrolet Camaro with a black racing stripe was seen leaving the area and was likely involved in the crash. Deputies soon found the car and identified Cox as the owner.
"Defendant made contact with law enforcement at the home and law enforcement noticed smell of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the defendant. He admitted to drinking two truly hard seltzers 16 oz. He admitted to drinking those after getting home," the prosecutor said.
CBS 8 learned the victim was 44-year-old Tamara Chambers who was believed to be homeless. The sheriff's department says a passerby saw the woman lying in the street before being hit. After the collision, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cox was being held on $100,000 bail but today the judge agreed to release him with restrictions.
"I think the more important goal is not ensuring his return to court but protecting the public so I am going to impose restrictions. it will be a little bit heavy handed," said Judge Rebeca Kanter.
She says Cox will not be allowed to drink or possess alcohol or marijuana. He will be required to have an alcohol monitor and be subject to a search without a warrant at any time. He will be allowed to drive and go to his job at Scripps Hospital.
Cox is facing charges for manslaughter, felony driving under the influence with injury and felony hit-and-run with great bodily injury or death.
Under those restrictions, he was released. His preliminary hearing is set for next month on September 26.
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