San Tan Valley woman accused of hitting construction worker with vehicle, fleeing

A 65-year-old San Tan Valley woman was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault and driving under the influence after she hit a man with her vehicle near San Tan Valley, according to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.

Kathleen Fleetwood drove into a construction zone near North Gary Road and West Hunt Highway, sideswiped a water truck, then hit the 41-year-old construction worker before fleeing the scene, according to Sgt. Pat Ramirez, a sheriff's spokesman.

A landscaper and construction supervisor followed the woman to a gated community near North Gary Road and West Rolls Road, blocking her from entering, Ramirez said. Both saw her leave the vehicle to discard a vodka bottle near a bush before deputies arrived, he said.

Fleetwood told deputies she had no recollection of hitting the man, who flew through the air and landed nearby construction equipment, sustaining serious injuries, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The man was flown by medical helicopter to a Phoenix hospital, Ramirez said.

Deputies believe Fleetwood was under the influence of alcohol.