ESCONDIDO (NEWS 8) - A hit-and-run crash killed one man late Sunday and left another badly injured in Escondido. Police identified the deceased victim on Monday as 38-year-old Octavio Escatel.
The crash was reported by Escondido police to the California Highway Patrol at 11:07 p.m. on the eastbound Ronald Packard Parkway at Broadway, the CHP said.
CHP said Escatel and another man were trying to push the latter's stalled Jeep Cherokee out of the freeway lanes at the 78 and Broadway, when they were hit by a teen driver in a RAV 4.
Escatel, who had stopped to help, was transported to Palomar Medical Center Emergency Department. Despite resuscitation attempts he could not be revived and was pronounced dead.
The RAV 4 took off but a 17-year-old was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
CHP officers say they found a loaded handgun and drugs inside the SUV.
Escatel's family set up a GoFundMe page for anyone who wishes to support the family's effort to give him a proper burial.
He leaves behind three young children ages 16, 12 and nine.