No charges were filed Wednesday against a motorist who allegedly drove off after fatally striking an 87-year-old pedestrian in Encinitas, but the case remains under review, authorities said.
Alexander Vasquez, 24, was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter shortly after the 6 p.m. accident Saturday night.
Sheriff’s officials said Encinitas resident Jack Hesselbach was walking in the crosswalk near the intersection of Balour and San Abella drives when he was struck by a pickup truck going northbound on Balour Drive.
Deputies and paramedics were dispatched to the scene, where they rendered aid to Hesselbach, who was suffering from a ruptured aorta, kidney damage and a broken leg. He died at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla the following afternoon.
The suspect vehicle was found by deputies several blocks away from the accident scene. Vasquez was seen walking away from the general area and was detained, according to sheriff’s officials, who said deputies said they observed fresh blood droppings on Vasquez’s shoes and believe he had been inside the truck.
Sheriff’s Cpl. Brenda Sipley said Vasquez may have been driving under the influence, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
— City News Service
