The driver suspected of hitting and killing a beloved father and husband in Sherman Heights Sunday morning stopped for Mexican food following the deadly crash, police said Tuesday as they renewed their search for the suspect.
The San Diego Police Department released new clear photos Tuesday of they man they believe struck Jason Gordon, 41, near the 1800 block of Market Street, between East Village and Sherman Heights just before 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Jason Gordon was dragged for about 100 feet as the driver sped off, SDPD said. He was found at 19th and Market streets and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver then stopped for food at Humberto's Taco Shop, less than a mile away from the deadly crash site. A surveillance camera captured the suspect ordering food from employee Kevin Rico, who didn't suspect anything unusual.
He didn't look too drunk to drive, according to Rico.
"Nothing like we usually see on a Saturday night," Rico said.
As he left the taco shop, SDPD said he backed into a sedan. Two women confronted the suspect before he sped off, police said. He has not yet been found as of Tuesday night.
Police are looking for an SUV, possibly a silver GMC Envoy with damage to the left headlight and front of the vehicle. Photos were released by police in an attempt to locate the driver.
Jason Gordon was identified by family members on Monday. He leaves behind twin 1-year-old daughters and wife Katie Gordon.
"Jason was an amazing soul. We met later in life and fell in love," wife Katie Gordon told NBC 7. "He was our family rock."
The father of two was originally from Kansas City, Mo. and moved to San Diego about 10 years ago.
"[The driver] cheated him of watching his girls grow up, being my husband and family man," Katie Gordon said. "I just don't know who would do something like this."
A GoFundMe page was created to help support Gordon's family.
“That is really, really sad. Nobody wants that to happen to their loved ones,” said neighbor Adrian, who said his girlfriend could hear the aftermath of the deadly hit and run. “We don’t know who [the driver] was, I hope they catch him because it was an injustice that happened.”
A local business captured the moment the pedestrian was struck on camera. The video shows the vehicle drive away before neighbors rushed outside to help the injured man.
“We heard screams. We think it was coming from good Samaritans who stopped to help the victim,” said neighbor Lorena.
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Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call San Diego Police at 619-531-2000.
