A California Highway Patrol cruiser at the scene of a crash. (File photo courtesy of OnScene.TV)
A young man was killed Wednesday in a two-vehicle hit-and-run collision on a Spring Valley freeway, authorities said.
California Highway Patrol officers responded to northbound state Route 125 south of Troy Street at about 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, where they discovered a Lexus that had veered off the highway and hit a tree, according to Officer Jasmine Lopez.
“For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Lexus unsafely changed lanes and crashed into an unknown light-colored sedan,” Lopez said. “The driver of the Lexus lost control and drove up the east embankment and collided into a tree.”
The 21-year-old Spring Valley man who was driving the Lexus died. The CHP did not release his name.
One witness to the crash reported seeing the other car stop on the east shoulder after the crash, with the driver exiting, then re-entering the vehicle and fleeing northbound on SR-125, according to the CHP.
It was unknown if drugs and/or alcohol were a factor in the crash, or if anyone else was injured. The investigation is ongoing.
“Fleeing the scene of a crash is not only a criminal offense, but it is a betrayal of the responsibility every driver has to others on the road,” CHP Capt. Michael Monteagudo said. “If you’re involved in a crash, stop when it is safe to do so, provide aid if needed, and contact emergency services.”
Any witnesses who may have additional information regarding the crash were encouraged to contact the CHP El Cajon area office at 619-219-6900.
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