A 60-year-old man was killed last Saturday after a car struck him while he crossed mid-block on India Street in Hillcrest, San Diego, police said. The driver never stopped, instead heading north on India Street and leaving officers scrambling to track down both the vehicle and whoever was behind the wheel.
The crash happened just before midnight in the 3500 block of India Street near Vine Street. Paramedics rushed the man to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to FOX 5 San Diego. Authorities have so far identified the victim only by his age and are withholding his name until family members can be notified.
The San Diego Police Department’s Traffic Division is handling the case and has described the suspect vehicle as a silver or gray sedan last seen heading north on India toward a green light, according to Hoodline. Detectives are still working to reconstruct exactly what happened as the car and its driver remain unaccounted for.
Police Ask For Tips
Investigators are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash-cam or security footage from the area around the time of the collision to come forward. Anonymous tips can be left with San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477, a number highlighted in coverage by FOX 5 San Diego.
Pedestrian Safety In Context
Pedestrian deaths continue to weigh heavily on traffic planners. Quick stats from the California Office of Traffic Safety show pedestrian fatalities dropped by about 8.8% statewide in 2023, yet they still account for a significant share of traffic deaths. Regional data also shows San Diego has seen dozens of pedestrian fatalities in recent years. Agencies like the Office of Traffic Safety and SafeTREC track these crashes and trends, and planners lean on that data when deciding where to focus safety projects.
What The Law Says
Under California law, leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury or death can be charged as hit-and-run under Vehicle Code 20001. It can be prosecuted as a felony, with potential prison time and fines, depending on the conclusions reached by investigators and prosecutors. Legal summaries note that prosecutors consider whether a driver was aware of an injury and whether they provided the required aid or information at the scene, as explained by various legal resources.
The investigation remains active, and the SDPD Traffic Division is asking anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Officials say they plan to release more details as the case develops.
