Driver Killed After Hitting Tree

A Valley Center man was killed Tuesday evening after colliding with a tree in Escondido.

Douglas Wayne Powell, 52, was driving an Acura TSX eastbound on State Route 78 when the car suddenly sped up, swerved across all lanes of traffic and then veered off the highway just west of Centre City Parkway at about 6 p.m., according to the county's medical examiner.

Escondido Fire Department crews were called to the scene after the vehicle hit a tree.

Powell was pronounced dead at the scene.