Driver Sought In Fatal Temecula Hit-And-Run: CHP

TEMECULA, CA — An unidentified Hispanic man was fatally struck as he walked along Rainbow Canyon Road Wednesday, California Highway Patrol reported. Officials are still seeking both the man's identity, as well as information on the hit-and-run vehicle that left the scene.

"We are looking for a truck or SUV with right-sided damage," CHP Officer Mike Lassig said.

The victim was an as-of-yet unidentified man between 65 and 75 years of age who was struck by a southbound SUV, truck, or larger vehicle, based upon the injuries from approximately 24 hours ago, Lassig told Patch.

The Riverside County Coroner's office is attempting to learn the exact time of death as well as the man's identity.

"For now, he is a John Doe," Lassig said. According to initial investigations, a truck or SUV was headed southbound on Rainbow Canyon Road when the driver collided with the pedestrian.

"He was likely walking along the road when the vehicle struck him. The victim ended up in nearby bushes, obscured from the roadway. He suffered major injuries from the crash." A 911 caller reported seeing the body, launching the investigation.

CHP is asking the public for help in identifying the hit-and-run driver who fled the scene, as well as any information on a missing person matching the suspect's description.

Rainbow Canyon Road, a heavily traveled I-15 bypass, was closed northbound and southbound for much of Thursday afternoon during the investigation. Drivers were asked to seek alternate travel routes during the recovery and investigation.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the CHP Temecula office at 951-466-4300.

This breaking story will be updated as more information is released.