A man’s body was found on State Route 78 in Escondido Friday night; investigators believe the victim was killed in a hit-and-run and likely dragged on the freeway.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) Sgt. David Morenberg said investigators believe the victim may have been dragged approximately 700 to 1,000 feet after being struck by the car.
“[He] got hit and [was] pushed forward, depending on how fast the vehicle was going,” Morenberg explained.
CHP officials said the victim – identified, for now, only as a man in his 20s – was walking at around 9:45 p.m. either in the eastbound center divide or in the No. 1 lane of eastbound SR-78, west of Centre City Parkway.
An unknown driver – possibly a sedan – hit the pedestrian and then fled the scene. The victim was critically hurt and left behind in the center divide. Officials declared him dead at the scene.
No arrests have been made.
According to Morenberg, the hit-and-run suspect’s car may be missing the driver side mirror and likely sustained significant damage to its front end, including the bumper or hood. The windshield may have also been shattered in the collision. No further description of the car was immediately available.
Local
Anyone with information on the deadly hit-and-run can call the Oceanside CHP office at (760) 643-3400 or the 24-hour dispatch line at (858) 637-3800.
The victim’s name has not yet been released, pending notification of his family. No one else was hurt in the incident.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
