Police Search for Driver in Hit-and-Run Fatality in Downtown El Cajon

Authorities sought Tuesday to identify and track down a hit-and-run driver involved in a pedestrian fatality in downtown El Cajon.

Another motorist made an emergency call shortly after 10 p.m. Monday to report that he had encountered a man lying in a northbound traffic lane in the 100 block of Jamacha Road and had been unable to swerve in time to avoid running over him, according to police.

The victim died at the scene, Lt. Randy Soulard said. His name was withheld pending family notification.

Investigators determined that the victim, a transient, had earlier been struck by a white Ford truck whose driver fled. The pickup was believed to be a 2008- to 2010-model F-350 or F-550 with a decal on one of the doors and a crane with a lift bucket in the cargo bed. It likely has visible front-end damage due to the crash, Soulard said.

The second involved motorist and his passenger were uninjured and cooperated fully with police, the lieutenant said.

"At this time, there is no evidence to indicate that speed or alcohol were factors in this (case)," the lieutenant said in the late morning. "However, this investigation is ongoing."

-City News Service