A probationer suspected of running over a Hemet man and then fleeing the scene of the fatality was being held Monday in lieu of $75,000 bail.
David Andrew Durbin, 33, of Menifee was booked Sunday into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death.
According to Hemet police Sgt. Dan Reinbolt, Durbin turned himself in about 5 p.m. and allegedly confessed to investigators that he was responsible for the pedestrian’s death. The suspect told police that his roommates had heard about what happened and urged him to surrender, Reinbolt said.
After taking down Durbin’s statement and seizing his Pontiac Grand Am as evidence, the suspect was taken into custody.
The hit-and-run happened about 11:55 p.m. Wednesday on Florida Avenue, near Girard Street. The victim, whose name was expected to be released by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office later Monday, was attempting to cross Florida when the silver Grand Am came barreling down the eastbound side of the four-lane road and slammed into the man, Reinbolt alleged.
The motorist sped away toward Valle Vista and could not be found by patrol officers.
A witness summoned paramedics and went to the victim’s aid, attempting to perform CPR until emergency crews arrived, but the man died at the scene, according to Reinbolt.
According to court records, Durbin has a prior misdemeanor conviction for hit-and-run resulting in property damage.