Felony Hit-And-Run Crash On I-15 Leaves SWR Traffic At A Crawl, CHP Seeks Suspect Vehicle

TEMECULA, CA — A felony hit-and-run crash occurred on I-15 southbound past Temecula, according to the California Highway Patrol. A black sedan crashed into two cars and then fled from the scene southbound, with significant front-end damage, CHP officer Mike Lassig told Patch.

"We are seeking help from the public in locating the suspect and the suspect vehicle," he said.

Just after 5 a.m., a white Lexus was rear-ended by another vehicle, believed to be the black sedan, near the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint on the Temecula side of the border, according to CHP dispatch. A second vehicle, a black SUV, overturned after the collision and came to rest on the right shoulder embankment. People were seen walking around on the side of the road, and one was injured, dispatch said.

CHP dispatch noted that one tow truck arriving to help was involved in a follow-up collision, initially delaying the incident cleanup.

According to Lassig, no lanes were closed after the hit-and-run crash, as all victims ended up on the right-hand shoulder. Crash debris was scattered in the southbound lanes, adding to the slowdown.

"Victims had complaints of pain. However, no one was hospitalized due to the incident," Lassig said.

During the incident, traffic was heavy through Temecula city streets, including Old Town Front Street, Temecula Parkway, and along Rainbow Canyon Road as drivers attempted to avoid the crash scene.

If you have information on the crash or the black sedan that fled the scene, please contact the CHP, Temecula Area at (951) 466-4300 with any information.