Missing Oceanside Man Hospitalized After Being Struck By SUV

VISTA, CA — A man who was reported missing from Oceanside wound up in the hospital Sunday morning after he was struck by a red Dodge Dakota around 3 a.m.

The collision was reported at 2405 N. Santa Fe. Ave., said San Diego County sheriff's Sgt. Kevin Johnston. The man was hit by the SUV, which was heading southbound on Santa Fe Avenue.

"The driver of the Dodge Dakota looked down briefly and when he looked back up a pedestrian was standing in the middle of the roadway in front of him," Johnston told the City News Service. "The driver of the Dodge Dakota attempted to swerve but collided with the pedestrian."

Oceanside firefighters provided first aid to the man who suffered an apparent broken leg and was unconscious with what appeared to be severe head trauma, the sergeant said.

He was taken to Palomar Medical Center for treatment, Johnston said.

The SUV driver remained at the scene and speed or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, he said.

The name and age of the man was not immidiately available and his condition is unkown at this time.

City News Service and Patch staffer Kat Schuster contributed to this report.