A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run collision in Vista Friday night and the driver who hit him fled the scene, abandoning the car involved in the crash on a street nearby.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials said a 65-year-old man was crossing South Santa Fe Avenue near Palmyra Drive at around 10:15 p.m. – about 200 feet from the crosswalk -- when he was struck by a driver in a red Chevrolet Prism.
Instead of stopping, the driver fled the scene, leaving the victim critically injured on the roadway. The victim died, CHP confirmed.
Officers found the hit-and-run suspect’s red car abandoned on Estrelita Drive, about a half-mile away from the scene of the deadly crash. The windshield was badly shattered.
There was no sign of the driver.
Investigators impounded the car as evidence, marking it with a large, yellow tag labeled “CHP.” Officials said they have leads on who the driver of the car is, and they’re working on tracking him down.
Investigators said there may also be a second hit-and-run driver involved in this incident, as it appears that once the victim was down in the street, he was hit by another car described as a white or silver sedan, possibly a Toyota.
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The driver also fled the scene. Investigators are now looking for that car as well, which likely sustained damaged to its front bumper.
The hit-and-run is under investigation. At this time, officials have not yet determined if alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision.
Anyone with information is urged to call CHP at (858) 637-3800. The victim’s name was not immediately released.
On Saturday, NBC 7 spoke with two pedestrians near the site of the deadly hit-and-run who both said the intersection there is not safe enough. There is no sidewalk, but rather a dirt path to walk on.
Residents said cars speed on that roadway all the time, but there have been no traffic safety improvements to the area to prevent that from happening so often.
"I just doesn't feel safe," said neighbor Raymond Rea. "It's really hard to walk on this dirt path."
Now, a vase with flowers rests at the intersection as a small tribute to the victim.
Friends in the area told NBC 7 the victim was a nice man. He was walking to the store when he was hit by the car.
Witnesses said the collision was a difficult sight.
"That was terrible. You don't want to see anyone die -- especially in a hit-and-run," said witness Tony Hernandez. "It was a tragic moment for me. I saw that and I felt for the man. I don't think that was a right thing that was happpening."
Those who knew the victim are hoping investigators find the hit-and-run driver very soon.
"Maybe he'll learn a lesson," said Rea. "I hope he does get caught."