Suspected DUI Driver Arrested After ​Fleeing Fatal Crash: Police

OCEANSIDE, CA — A suspected DUI driver was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian while fleeing from another crash at an Oceanside intersection.

The initial crash was reported shortly after 10:15 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Douglas Drive and Mission Avenue, Oceanside police Sgt. Rick Davis said.

Officers responding to the scene found an unconscious pedestrian in the eastbound lanes of Mission Avenue, east of the intersection, Davis said. The pedestrian, a 65-year-old man whose name was withheld, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Based on witness statements and evidence at the scene, investigators believe a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado pickup was speeding eastbound on Mission Avenue when the truck ran a red light and collided with a Ford F-150 pickup traveling northbound on Douglas Drive, Davis said.

After the crash, the Chevy driver backed up and continued eastbound on Mission Avenue before hitting a pedestrian in the crosswalk, Davis said.

"The Chevy truck dragged the male approximately 50 yards down the street and continued without stopping," he said.

Responding officers found the unoccupied truck at Rancho Del Oro and Mission Avenue, Davis said. Witnesses said the driver fled on foot along with a passenger who had been riding in the pickup.

Officers searched the area with the help of a police helicopter and found the suspected driver nearby as well as the passenger.

The suspected driver, identified as Wesley Stuart, 27, of Oceanside, was arrested and booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, felony hit-and-run and driving under the influence. The passenger was detained and later released, Davis said.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the incident was asked to contact investigator Clint Bussey at 760-435-4412.

City News Service contributed to this report.