San Diego

Tow Truck Driver Struck and Killed on Shoulder of State Route 52

A tow truck driver was killed after being hit by a car on the shoulder of eastbound State Route 52 Thursday evening, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirmed.

CHP says a Roadone San Diego driver got out of his truck to tow a disabled garbage truck when he was hit by passing car. The collision occurred at approximately 5:10 p.m. near Mast Boulevard.

Officers say the driver continued on eastbound SR-52 for nearly a mile until he was stopped by an off-duty officer.

"There was significant damage to the front end of the car and also there were witnesses to the incident," said CHP Sgt. Sofia Mosqueda.

The tow truck driver was not in traffic lanes when he was hit, according to CHP.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the collision, according to the CHP.

"There is danger for tow truck drivers and I think they're aware of it," Mosqueda said. "In these situations, it doesn't matter how much care you can take to be safe, you have impaired drivers on the roadway on any given day."

A Sig Alert was issued at 5:30 p.m. for the eastbound SR-52 at Summit.

The driver was booked into jail, CHP officials said.

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