Homicide Detectives Name IE Man 'Intentionally Struck' By Fleeing Car

MORONGO VALLEY, CA — The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has identified a man killed Monday in a hit-and-run crash that is being investigated as a homicide.

Christopher Garcia, a Morongo Valley resident, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Morongo Valley Fire Department paramedics, according to Homicide Detective T. Kleveno.

Just after 7:30 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Sheriff's Station responded to the scene at the intersection of Hess Boulevard and Senilis Avenue in Morongo Valley to assist the California Highway Patrol, already at the location.

CHP was initially dispatched to the location of a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash, which was initially considered a hit-and-run, according to Kleveno. Those officers then requested the Morongo deputies, as they determined the victim was intentionally struck by a vehicle.

No information was immediately released about the vehicle or the cause of the collision during the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.

Editor's note: The victim was a resident of Morongo Valley, and not a Morongo tribal member, according to a tribe spokesperson.