Teen Killed in Scott Road Head-On Crash, ID'd by Temecula Area CHP

MENIFEE, CA – A teenager is dead after apparently trying to pass slower moving traffic on a local two-lane roadway early Tuesday morning, the California Highway Patrol reports.

According to CHP Officer Mike Lassig, 18-year-old Peter Ely Sakr was headed eastbound on Scott Road, near Merritt Road, just after midnight Tuesday. Meanwhile, a 35-year-old man from Winchester was headed westbound at the same time, traveling about 45 mph.

"[Sakr] crossed over the solid double yellow lines and into the opposing traffic lane to pass slower moving traffic," Lassig said in a CHP report.

The Winchester man, who was in a 2012 F-350 truck, saw Sakr's 2004 Chevy Impala coming towards him but "was unable to respond or take evasive action" and the two drivers collided head-on, according to Lassig. The ensuing wreckage blocked both lanes of traffic and firefighters had to cut the teen free.

Sakr was taken to Loma Linda Hospital in Murrieta with major injuries to his leg, neck and spine – and ultimately died in the emergency room, according to the CHP.

The other diver was hospitalized at Inland Valley hospital in Wildomar, with minor injuries, Lassig said.

"The CHP would like to remind all motorists to always wear your seatbelt and never cross over double yellow lines," Lassig said.

The crash is still under investigation.

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone