Driver hits fire hydrant, power pole, pedestrian in deadly hit-and-run

EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A man is dead and another is in custody following a hit-and-run crash early Sunday in El Cajon, authorities said.

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According to the San Diego Police Department, the collision occurred just before 1 a.m. near the intersection of Chase Avenue and Avocado Avenue when a vehicle slammed into a fire hydrant and a power pole, sending water spraying into the air and shearing the utility pole. Witnesses also reported that a pedestrian pushing a shopping cart was struck and appeared to be deceased.

Emergency crews from El Cajon Police and Heartland Fire responded to the scene, where they found an unidentified male who had suffered fatal injuries. The driver of the vehicle had fled before officers arrived.

Investigators quickly turned to automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, which helped identify a white GMC SUV seen near the area immediately after the crash. The SUV was later found unoccupied in the 500 block of Sandalwood Drive, with visible damage and a deployed airbag, police said.

Officers located an man at a nearby residence who displayed signs of intoxication and admitted to being the driver involved. He was taken into custody without incident. His identity has not yet been released.

Utility crews were called to repair the damaged hydrant and power infrastructure.

Police are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to contact the department at 619-579-3311.