Man Pleads Not Guilty To Hit-And-Run In Teen's Death In Escondido

ESCONDIDO, CA — A 70-year-old man who allegedly fatally struck a 14-year- old boy at an Escondido crosswalk, then left the scene, pleaded not guilty Monday to a felony count of hit-and-run causing death.

Jon Edwin Kiesel, of Escondido, is accused in the June 25 death of Anthony Lopez Vega, who police said was struck just before 9:30 p.m. while walking at the intersection of Bear Valley Parkway and Grand Avenue.

Escondido police said the boy was crossing against a "don't walk" signal, then was struck by a black SUV heading north on Bear Valley Parkway with a green traffic signal. The SUV took off after striking the teen, police said.

Paramedics rushed the boy to Palomar Medical Center, where he died about an hour later, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.

Based on witness statements and other evidence, police identified Kiesel as the suspected hit-and-run driver, Escondido Police Department Lt. Scott Walters said. He was arrested the following day.

Kiesel remains out of custody on $100,000 bail but was ordered not to drive a motor vehicle during the pendency of the case.

Kiesel faces up to four years in state prison if convicted.

— City News Service