SAN JACINTO (CNS) – A motorist who struck and killed a pedestrian and seriously injured another just north of San Jacinto remained at large today, and the California Highway Patrol sought the public’s help in identifying the suspect.
The hit-and-turn happened about 9:45 p.m. Thursday on the Ramona Expressway, just east of Bridge Street, CHP Officer Juan Quintero said.
The victims, 58-year-old Gary Gomez of Nuevo and his friend, whose name was not immediately disclosed, were walking along the expressway when they were hit, Quintero said. Gomez survived the impact, suffering broken legs, ribs and an arm, but the other man died at the scene, he said.
Gomez was being treated in the intensive care unit at Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley, the officer said.
The suspect raced away from the location before officers arrived. A search was initiated without success.
“The suspect vehicle is believed to be out of Hemet or San Jacinto,” Quintero said. “The suspect vehicle should be red in color and should have significant damage on the right front and possible on the windshield.”
Anyone who may have information about the hit-and-run was urged to contact the CHP’s Riverside office at 951-637-8000.