CAR CRASH: Spring Valley Car Crash Turns into a Hit-and-Run

March 25, 2011

Spring Valley – An early Friday morning two-car crash in La Presa turned into a hit-and-run accident after one of the motorists involved fled on foot and left the other driver injured behind, authorities said.

The incident was reported to the California Highway Patrol at about 6:19 am. The driver of a 2000 Chevrolet pickup, Jose Espinoza, 21, allegedly ran a red light at the intersection of Jamacha Road and Sweetwater Lane while driving east. This caused him to broadside a 2001 Lincoln Navigator SUV going north, CHP Officer Brian Pennings said.

Witnesses claimed that Espinoza ran away toward an unidentified complex. Paramedics meanwhile were called to attend the driver of the SUV, Yvonne Morgan. She was taken by ambulance to a hospital after suffering head injuries.

Officers were able to trace the registered owner of the pickup 20 minutes after the crash to a nearby residence. Espinoza was arrested at his home and jailed on suspicion of felony hit and run resulting to injury, and suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The scene of the accident was cleared around 7am.