Police seek driver in fatal hit and run on San Jose Boulevard in Carlsbad
This is a developing story. The article will be updated as more information is made available.
Carlsbad police were on the lookout for a driver they believe hit and killed a person on San Jose Boulevard and then fled the scene.
The collision happened on Jan. 11 in the 1400 block of San Jose, behind La Tienda, according to a news release.
Police said at about 5:50 p.m. that day Hunter Dees, 24, was fatally struck by the vehicle that was driving north.
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Carlsbad police Captain Jessie Rodriguez said investigators were still working to recreate the crash, seeking witnesses and any video footage that may have been taken of the scene.
The vehicle believed to be involved was a 2002 to 2005 Ford Explorer or Mountaineer, police said, which likely suffered damage to the driver's side front end during the crash.
"If there's even a question that a vehicle seen has damage that may be consistent, please call," Rodriguez said. "Eye witnesses are something we hope comes forward."
He said accidents are rare on San Jose Boulevard, although it is heavily trafficked by locals, running parallel to the city's main thoroughfare Canal Street.
Rodriguez urged motorists to report to police if they think they might have hit something. He said Dees was wearing dark clothes at the time of the crash, and may not have been easily visible.
"Hopefully that person thinks they didn't see him and that it is the right thing to do to report it," Rodriguez said.
The driver may face a charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death, a fourth-degree felony and failing to report an accident.
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A fourth-degree felony can be punishable by up to 18 months in prison, according to state statute.
Anyone with information on the incident was asked to call the Carlsbad Police Department’s Traffic Division at 575-885-2111, extension 2266.
"Being in close proximity to the holiday, it's tragic," Rodriguez said. "Taking into account the weather, it really makes people need to be vigilant. If they're going to be out driving, it should be for a meaningful reason."
Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Carlsbad police seek suspect after fatal hit and run on San Jose Blvd
