A 54-year-old woman crossing the street in National City was struck and killed by a driver in a sedan early Saturday morning, police said.
The woman was crossing East Plaza Boulevard near Palm Avenue around 2:10 a.m. when she was hit by a Chevy sedan driven by a 27-year-old man who fled the scene, according to National City police. The road was temporarily shut down for several hours into the afternoon.
The woman, whom officers found in the center divider of the road, died before she could be taken to a hospital, Lt. Wade Walters said in a news release. Authorities said the pedestrian, whose identity has not yet been released, is believed to have been homeless.
Officers arrested the man at his residence near East 18th Street and F Avenue. A witness followed the driver to his home and contacted police to share his location, Sgt. Ruben Lopez said.
Investigators determined alcohol was a factor in the crash. The driver of the Chevy sedan was booked into San Diego County Jail and charged with suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing death or great bodily injury and felony hit-and-run resulting in death or injury.
East Plaza Boulevard reopened just shortly after 1 p.m.
Police said anyone with information about the incident can contact the National City Police Department Investigations Division at 619-336-4457 or 888-580-8477 to remain anonymous.
