Driver runs from crashed car, is struck and killed on I-5 in Encinitas

Witnesses told the CHP a car was driving erratically before crashing; the driver got out and ran way, but was hit on I-5 south near La Costa Avenue

San Diego Union-Tribune

July 10, 2020 1:57 PM PT

ENCINITAS —

A man was struck by a vehicle and killed Thursday night, July 9, on Interstate 5 in Encinitas when he fled from his car after crashing, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Witnesses told the Highway Patrol that the man was behind the wheel of a small black vehicle that was driving recklessly before crashing just before 10 p.m. on I-5 south of La Costa Avenue, according to a CHP incident log.

After the crash, witnesses reported seeing a man get out of the car and begin running through southbound lanes, according to the Highway Patrol incident log.

Within minutes, just after 10 p.m., a southbound vehicle struck the man, according to the CHP. Officers requested personnel from the Medical Examiner’s Office around 10:40 p.m.

Authorities shut down the two right lanes of south I-5 south of La Costa Avenue while investigating the crash. The lanes remained closed as of 11:20 p.m.

No other information was immediately available.

-- Alex Riggins is a reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune

Alex Riggins

Alex Riggins covers federal courts and federal law enforcement for The San Diego Union-Tribune. He previously worked nights covering breaking news and public safety. He joined the Union-Tribune in 2018 from City News Service and previously wrote about courts and public safety in Idaho for the Times-News. He is a La Mesa native and proud Helix Highlander, Grossmont Griffin and San Diego State Aztec.