A man who allegedly fled Thursday after the pickup truck he was driving struck and killed a septuagenarian on a northern San Diego- area street was arrested later in the morning on suspicion of drunken driving and hit-and-run causing death.
The westbound 2005 Toyota Tacoma struck the 76-year-old pedestrian about 5 a.m. Thursday on Mission Avenue in Oceanside, just east of Mesa Drive, according to police. The victim’s name was withheld pending family notification.
Following the deadly impact, the motorist continued driving and left the area.
About two hours later, patrol officers located the truck and arrested a 24-year-old from Oceanside, police spokesperson Gina Avalos said.
The suspect was booked into the county jail in Vista.
At this time, investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision.
The Oceanside Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded to the scene and is actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Traffic Investigator Lissner with the Oceanside Police Department at (760) 435-4651.