SAN DIEGO (CBS8/CNS) - A suspected drunken driver who fatally struck a pedestrian in Hillcrest and fled the scene was arrested about an hour later a few miles away in North Park, police said Wednesday.
The hit-and-run driver behind the wheel of a silver Nissan Cube struck a 78-year-old man running across Fifth Avenue near Brookes Avenue around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, according to San Diego police Officer Dino Delimitros. The pedestrian died at the scene.
The Nissan sped away after the crash but was followed by a witness who was able to get the suspect's license plate and pass the information on to police officer at the scene. Using the license plate information, officers were able to track the registration of the vehicle to a condominium complex in the 4500 block of Ohio Street in North Park.
The driver, 60-year-old Robert Dean, was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run and drunken driving after blowing a 0.14 during a breathalyzer test.
"That person was cooperative, did admit to driving the vehicle and that suspect was subsequently arrested," said Lt. Steve Behrendt.
Dean has been charged with driving under the influence and deadly-hit-and-run and is being held on $50,000 bail.