Three months after a fatal hit-and-run accident in University Heights took the life of 47-year-old Joshua Gilliland, San Diego Police have apprehended a suspect, 37-year-old Brandon Allen Janik. According to Times of San Diego, Janik was arrested on suspicion of a multitude of offenses, including murder, drunk driving, hit-and-run, gross vehicular manslaughter, and three counts of making false insurance claims about a vehicle.
The incident occurred on June 10th, when Gilliland was struck by a car while crossing in the three-way intersection of Normal Street, El Cajon Boulevard, and Park Boulevard. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries four days later. As reported by 10News, the car involved in the incident, a 2022 BMW, was allegedly driven by Janik who then fled the scene.
The arrest of Janik three months after the tragic event raises questions about the timeline of the case. Through rigorous police investigation, detectives were able to identify Janik as the alleged driver; however, the police did not disclose any specific evidence that led to this determination. Janik is now being held without bail, with an arraignment scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
While police have made an arrest, the investigation into the accident remains active. The San Diego Police Department urges anyone with additional information to come forward, reaching out to the department at 619-531-2000 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
