According to a witness, Ingram was in the driver's seat of a vehicle and Ta was holding on to the vehicle as Ingram began to drive away.
Kiana Smith was working at Rakiraki Ramen restaurant when she heard the commotion outside.
"I think he was trying to be a good citizen, stop her from drinking and driving," Smith told KNSD.
"She actually backed out of the parking lot with him still hanging on to her car and as soon as she made this right turn out of the parking lot he completely flung off it and she ran over him," Smith told KSWB. "Our first instinct for all of the employees was to help."
Ta was holding onto Ingram's car as she backed out of a parking space and he was thrown to the ground when she turned onto Convoy Street, San Diego police said. Authorities allege Ingram's car ran over Ta and she did not stop, according to The San Diego Tribune. Ta died later at a hospital.
The San Diego Tribune reported that Ingram pleaded not guilty in court Tuesday to charges of murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit and run causing death, DUI causing death and having a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent or greater.
According to San Diego Superior Court Judge Jay Bloom, Ingram was charged with a DUI in 2010, making her “acutely aware” of the dangers of driving drunk. Bloom set Ingram's bail at $2.5 million.
About the Author