Reckless Driver Crashes In Temecula Wine Country, Flees Scene

TEMECULA, CA — A motorist driving wildly on a Temecula road slammed into a tree in front of a winery Thursday, causing major damage, then fled the scene, possibly in another vehicle.

The crash was reported about 1:05 p.m. on Rancho California Road, just east of La Serena Way, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Witnesses told the agency that the driver of a silver Mercedes-Benz was speeding when he apparently lost control of the sedan and swerved toward the entrance to Mount Palomar Winery, where the car struck the tree.

When patrol units and Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department paramedics arrived minutes later, there was no sign of the driver, according to reports from the scene.

It was unclear whether the motorist left on foot or got into another car and was taken away from the location, nor was there any indication of his condition.

The CHP said another motorist had been following the Mercedes.