Elderly Man Seriously Injured, Suspect Arrested In East County Hit-And-Run Crash

EL CAJON, CA — An elderly man was seriously injured in a hit-and-run collision, but the suspect was arrested shortly after the crash, thanks to automated license plate reading technology, authorities said.

Officers responded at 3:28 p.m. Tuesday to reports of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 400 block of Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon, according to the El Cajon Police Department.

Police said the 70-year-old victim suffered from a serious head injury and was taken to a hospital, where he was expected to survive. The suspect's vehicle fled the scene prior to their arrival.

"Witnesses provided officers with a detailed description of the suspect vehicle, including its license plate number," the department said in a statement. "Within minutes, officers detained the vehicle and driver, who later admitted involvement in the incident. Thanks to quick-thinking witnesses and advanced ALPR technology, the hit-and-run suspect was apprehended shortly after the crime occurred."

The driver, identified as 19-year-old Brian Guevara, was booked into county jail on suspicion of hit-and-run.

"This case highlights how technology and strong community partnerships help us solve crimes quickly and keep our streets safer," El Cajon Police Chief Jeremiah Larson said.