HEMET – A pedestrian who was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver in Hemet was identified today as a 66-year-old resident of the city, while the search for the motorist continued.
Jaime Martinez Alvarez was fatally injured about 9:25 p.m. Wednesday on Florida Avenue, just east of San Jacinto Street, according to the Hemet Police Department.
Lt. Eric Dickson said the victim was in a liquor store parking lot when he began walking in a northeasterly direction, initially crossing eastbound lanes of Florida.
Despite oncoming traffic, the man made it across the eastbound side of the corridor and continued walking into westbound lanes, where there’s no marked crosswalk, Dickson said.
“The pedestrian was ultimately struck by a vehicle that was traveling westbound on Florida,” the lieutenant said. “The vehicle that struck the pedestrian stopped briefly and then drove away, possibly north on San Jacinto.
It is believed that the pedestrian may have been struck by a second vehicle that also did not stop.”
Dickson said the drivers traveled through the intersection of Florida and San Jacinto on a green traffic signal.
“Alcohol is believed to be a factor with the pedestrian,” the police spokesman said. “It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a role with either of the drivers.”
Alvarez was pronounced dead at the scene by Hemet Fire Department paramedics.
The first vehicle was described as a late-model sedan, but no information was available regarding the other car.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the police department at 951-765-2400.
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