Hit-And-Run Driver Captured In Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — A wanted hit-and-run driver suspected of causing major injuries to a motorist in Temecula nearly two months ago has been arrested, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced.

Temecula resident Domingo Nava Cruz, 40, was taken into custody around 2:30 a.m. Monday from an apartment in the 30000 block of Rancho California Road. He was booked on suspicion of hit-and-run causing injuries, driving without a license, DUI, and failure to appear, jail records show.

Cruz is suspected of running a red light while heading west on Rancho California Road and broadsiding a black Jeep Patriot that was making a left turn from the I-15 southbound off-ramp onto the busy thoroughfare, according to the sheriff's department.

The crash, which was reported at 2:51 p.m. June 23, left the Jeep driver hospitalized with major injuries.

Cruz was driving a green Toyota pickup truck, which was found abandoned at the intersection. He fled the scene on foot, according to the sheriff's department.

A warrant had been issued for his arrest, and a photo of Cruz was released to the public late last month. It's unclear what led investigators to Cruz's location.