A 41-year-old pedestrian struck and killed by a motorist in Winchester who did not stop was identified Tuesday, while California Highway Patrol officers continued their investigation into the death and the driver involved.
Andrew Lopez of Menifee was hit by an SUV as he walked along Highway 79, just south of Scott Road, at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the CHP.
Officer Mike Lassig said Lopez was “walking in the northbound traffic lane” at the time.
A 71-year-old Temecula man at the wheel of a 2016 Toyota Rav4 was going north and struck the victim without stopping, Lassig alleged.
Witnesses who came upon Lopez’s body in the roadway called 911, and CHP officers arrived a short time later, along with paramedics, at which point the victim was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Lassig.
“Officers located vehicle parts … which had broken off at the time of the collision,” the CHP spokesman said.
Based on evidence collected at the point of impact and additional leads, officers tracked the Toyota to a property in Hemet, where the motorist was questioned, Lassig said.
“The driver showed no signs of impairment,” he said. “Charges for felony hit-and-run are pending.”
The man, whose identity was not disclosed, was not taken into custody.