Driver fled after pedestrian killed in Madera County, CHP says

A driver fled after striking and killing a pedestrian in Madera County on Monday, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The 50-year-old male victim has not been identified.

The collision took place on Avenue 21 east of Avenue 20 1/2. The area where the victim died is a rural, with only about four houses in a one-half mile area, CHP spokesman Gregorio Rodriguez said Tuesday.

According to initial information, the collision took place late in the morning, but Rodriguez said it now appears the incident probably took place earlier in the day or in pre-dawn hours.

The victim was in the eastbound lane of 21 when he was struck. The driver fled without stopping to render aid, said Rodriguez, who added the suspect vehicle may have damage to the front right side.

The rural location makes investigating the incident more complex. Rodriguez said officers are canvassing the area in the hope that a farmer’s video camera captured a possible fleeing vehicle.

Just why a driver would speed away after such a collision is always part of the mystery. The crash could involved a DUI driver, one without insurance, or someone who simply panicked, Rodriguez said.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Madera CHP office at 559-675-1025.

This story was originally published October 23, 2018 at 8:02 AM.