In a tragic turn of events late Thursday night, authorities have apprehended a suspect in connection with a fatal hit and run in Yucaipa. The incident occurred at approximately 9:47 p.m. at the intersection of Yucaipa Blvd. and 17th St., as reported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department. Rescue teams discovered a 62-year-old male pedestrian deceased at the scene, having suffered from the impact of the collision.
The Yucaipa Police Department, assisted by their Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T), led the inquiry into the occurrence and successfully tracked down the alleged culprit. Steven Runyan, a 30-year-old Redlands resident, was identified as the driver of a black 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee linked to the hit-and-run. Authorities located and arrested Runyan, who now faces charges of felony hit and run. He was booked at the Central Detention Center and is being held on a $30,000 bail.
Following the incident, the thoroughfare was closed for several hours in the wake of the investigation, converging resources and attention on this stretch of the road. The westbound and eastbound lanes of Yucaipa Blvd. were subsequently reopened to the public at 2:41 a.m., as detailed in a statement obtained by the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
The investigation into the details of the collision continues, with a call to action for witnesses or anyone with information to step forward. Deputy S. Navarro and Deputy P. Tormey are leading the call for the community's help, made evident in the sheriff's statement. Concerned individuals are encouraged to contact the Yucaipa Police Station, or, for those wishing confidentiality, to reach the We-Tip Hotline or leave information on the We-Tip website.
