Taxi driver pleads not guilty in fatal New Year’s Day hit-and-run

A 56-year-old taxi driver accused in a pedestrian’s death early New Year’s Day in Newport Beach pleaded not guilty Monday to a felony count of hit-and-run.

Ronald Aviles of San Clemente, who is out of jail on $50,000 bail, entered his plea in Orange County Superior Court.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s office, Aviles was driving his taxi van south on East Coast Highway about 3 a.m. when he crashed into Travis Marton, 23, of Valencia as Marton was crossing the highway at the intersection of Newport Coast Drive. Marton later was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said Aviles continued to drive down Coast Highway into Laguna Beach, where he was stopped and arrested by Laguna Beach police.

Aviles’ taxi had a smashed windshield, dents on the hood and a bumper and a missing driver’s side mirror, according to the district attorney’s office.

If convicted, Aviles could face up to four years in state prison. He is expected to appear in court for a pretrial hearing March 10.