The driver suspected in an April 9 hit-and-run in Ocean Beach has been arrested, according to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).
Police identified the driver as Jaron Hillyer, 27, and arrested him Monday for felony hit and run, driving with a suspended license, and not having valid insurance, SDPD confirmed.
On April 9, Julio Vazquez stopped to help a driver whose car stalled on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard when he was struck by a driver who SDPD believes to be Hillyer.
SDPD said Hillyer fled the scene without stopping, leaving Vazquez behind with a broken leg and a broken rib.
Officers identified the suspect car as a green 1998 or 1999 Subaru Outback Legacy wagon soon after the accident. A resident then saw a car matching the description on Orchard Avenue in San Diego and called police, just one day after SDPD released the description and offered a $1,000 reward for anyone with information that led to an arrest.
SDPD said the station wagon was located less than two miles from the hit-and-run.
Vasquez couldn't believe that someone could have such disregard for human life and is glad police have finally found their suspect.
"I think there's a price he has to pay," Vasquez said. "Whatever it is he has to pay it."
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Vasquez said he's been focused on his health since the accident so that he can get back to work and provide for his wife and two children.
His right leg is held together by screws and rods and he struggles with complications from a punctured lung he suffered in the accident.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help ease the financial burned on Vasquez' family while he's out of work.
The investigation is still ongoing, so SDPD has asked for anyone with information to call its station at 619-531-2000 or to call the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 888-580-8477.
