A man trying to cross Washington Avenue in Escondido Saturday just before 6:30 p.m. was fatally struck by the driver of a Ford Explorer, who sped away after the collision, authorities said.
A witness who saw the driver hit the pedestrian followed the Explorer for about a mile before Escondido police arrived. Officers arrested the driver on suspicion of felony hit-and-run.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, Ivan Ruiz Mejia, 21, of Escondido was arrested on suspicion of felony drunken driving and hit-and-run.
The pedestrian, believed to be around 45 years old, died at the scene of the crash.
Police have not released the suspect's name. More information about the victim is pending family notification from the Medical Examiner's office.
Check back for updates.
