November 1, 2013 | By Greene Broillet & Wheeler
A suspect in a fatal pedestrian accident that killed a 20-year-old California man has been identified. The negligent driver, age 33, was caught after leaving a license plate behind at the scene of the Spring Valley accident, which apparently fell off of his car as he sped away from the hit-and-run collision. The driver, in this case, appears to have a laundry list of previous criminal convictions, including a history of drunk driving. The man is accused of felony manslaughter in addition to hit-and-run charges, and more charges are anticipated after the investigation closes.
Authorities report that the driver was driving a borrowed Toyota SUV when he careered onto the sidewalk and struck the pedestrian. The accident occurred at about 3:45 a.m., according to officials, and the man quickly drove away from the scene. Investigators found the vehicle’s license plate near the victim’s body, which led them to a relative of the driver. That vehicle was found several hours later in a parking lot. It had sustained damage including a broken windshield and smashed front panels.
The man tried to run again as officers saw him driving by the vehicle in another car, but he was quickly located and taken into custody. Officers found the man with the vehicle’s keys in his pockets.
Investigators say they believe alcohol or drugs may have played a role in the man’s decision to leave the scene of the crime. A complete inquiry into the matter may include toxicology tests to determine whether the man was intoxicated at the time of the collision.
The victim, in this case, had the right to walk safely down the road without fearing for his life. Sadly, negligent drivers cause such tragic accidents every day, shattering families and harming innocent victims. These drivers should pay for their mistakes in criminal court, but they can also be held accountable through civil proceedings. Victims and their relatives may be entitled to financial compensation for a variety of costs incurred because of such horrific wrecks.