A 57-year-old woman was struck and killed Thursday by a hit-and-run driver just west of Hemet, and authorities are hoping witnesses can help identify the driver.
The victim, whose identity was not immediately released, was hit about 1:15 a.m. on Highway 74, just west of Cortrite Avenue, in an area known as Green Acres, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officer Mike Lassig said that the woman was walking on the highway — it was unclear whether she was on the shoulder or in lanes — when a dark-colored Honda CR-V slammed into her.
The motorist did not stop.
Riverside County Fire Department paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Lassig said that the Honda CR-V was likely manufactured between 1997 and 2001. There was no word whether the vehicle sustained damage because of the impact.
Anyone with information was urged to contact the CHP Temecula office at 951-506-2000.