Wrong-Way Driver Fatally Struck After Running From Freeway Crash: CHP

LA MESA, CA — A wrong-way driver was fatally struck after running from a head-on crash on the freeway in San Diego’s East County, authorities said.

The crash happened at 11:38 p.m. Saturday when a man was driving a Toyota Tundra westbound on an eastbound lane on Interstate 8, just east of 70th Street in La Mesa, according to the California Highway Patrol. The driver of the truck, a 24-year-old man from National City, collided head on with a Honda Civic that was traveling eastbound on I-8.

After the crash, the driver of the truck left his vehicle, fled on foot from the eastbound lanes, and ran across westbound I-8, where he was struck by a Ford F-150, CHP Officer Jared Grieshaber said.

The driver of the Toyota, whose identity was not released, died at the scene, Grieshaber said. The driver of the Honda, a 33-year-old man from Montebello, suffered major injuries and was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital. The driver and passenger of the Ford were not injured.

“This is an ongoing investigation,” Grieshaber said. “At this time, it is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this crash for the deceased. Alcohol and/or drugs were not a factor in this crash for the two other drivers.”