Suspect Accused of Striking 80-Year-Old in Fatal National City Hit-And-Run Pleads Not Guilty

A man accused of striking an 80-year-old pedestrian in a fatal National City hit-and-run pleaded not guilty to the crime.

Efrain Black, 20, was charged with hit-and-run causing death at his Thursday arraignment. Black pleaded not guilty through an attorney. He is being held on $100,000 bail.

The crash happened Monday evening at 4th and V Avenues in National City, police said.

The victim, who has not been identified by the Medical Examiner, was crossing the street in front of his home when a dark colored sedan hit him, police said.

"He was thrown into a parked vehicle about roughly 20 feet," Sgt. Dennis Leach said. "It would be tough for a 20-year-old to survive that kind of crash, let alone an 80-year-old."

The victim succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday morning.

The driver initially fled the scene, but Black later turned himself in to police.