Driver intentionally crashed into Santa Cruz woman, police say

This story originally appeared on KSBW.com.

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — A young Santa Cruz woman who was fatally struck by an SUV while walking on Modesto Avenue was identified by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office Monday as 23-year-old McKenzie Gilbert.

Kelsey Anne Knoll, the driver who allegedly struck Gilbert with a black Infiniti SUV, was arrested on murder charges.

Gilbert was walking at 3:25 p.m. Friday when she was struck.

On Monday, police Lt. Warren Barry told KSBW that 24-year-old Knoll intentionally struck Gilbert.

"She was targeting this pedestrian. This appears to be an intentional act. From what witnesses are telling us, and partial video that we have, the driver drove into the other lane, striking the victim from behind," Barry said.

It's still unclear if the two women knew each other.

Kelsey Anne Knoll, the driver who allegedly struck Gilbert with a black Infiniti SUV in Santa Cruz on July 23, 2018, was arrested on murder charges. Kelsey Anne Knoll, the driver who allegedly struck Gilbert with a black Infiniti SUV in Santa Cruz on July 23, 2018, was arrested on murder charges. Photo: Santa Cruz Police/Handout Photo: Santa Cruz Police/Handout Image 1 of / 29 Caption Close Driver intentionally crashed into Santa Cruz woman, police say 1 / 29 Back to Gallery

Police booked Knoll into jail on one count of first degree murder. Her bail was set at $2.5 million.

Dozens of flowers and a sign reading, "You were very loved," were placed on the corner where Gilbert died.

According to arrest records, Knoll was arrested on suspicion of DUI on Mount Hermon Road at 1:20 a.m. on July 11, just eight days before Friday's deadly accident. A California Highway Patrol officer suspected that Knoll was under the influence of drugs when she crashed into a CVS store in Felton.

A witness of a third traffic incident -- on Market Street in Santa Cruz -- said Knoll struck a bicyclist two days before Gilbert was killed. KSBW has not been able to confirm the third incident with police.

So far, Knoll has not been charged with DUI in connection with Friday's crash.

However, "Investigators brought in a CHP drug recognition expert to examine Kelsey Knoll and determine if she was driving the vehicle under the influence. The results of blood and alcohol testing are pending," police said.

"The police investigation into the crash remains open and active. It is unknown at this time if alcohol, drugs, or vehicular speed were a factor in the collision," police said.

No motive has been released by investigators.

In 2015, when Knoll was 21 years old, she was arrested twice in one week on suspicion of selling drugs. A Scotts Valley K-9 unit allegedly found heroin and methamphetamine in her car during both arrests.

Knoll was also arrested in 2017 on suspicion of possessing heroin and methamphetamine packaged for sales on Willowbrook Lane in Soquel, according to the Sheriff's Office.