Salinas Man Charged with Fatal Hit-and-Run
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SALINAS — A fatal hit-and-run in Salinas is being investigated by police with witnesses helping to identify the suspect. Police say the victim was found unresponsive at the scene and first responders provided aid, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Jorge Luis Lopez Saenz, 27, has been identified as the suspected driver and is being charged with vehicular manslaughter, unlicensed driving and a hit-and-run causing death or injury. The Salinas Police Department received a call about a person being hit by a car on East Alisal Street at Eucalyptus Street in front of Foods Co. on Tuesday.
The vehicle fled the scene. However, a witness followed the car onto Eucalyptus Street, and eventually lost sight of it on Quilla Street, but was able to get the license plate information. Police found Saenz’s car on North Sanborn Road near Elkington Street. A traffic stop was conducted, where the officers identified him. He had damage to the right front end of the car.
Police say he did not appear to be under the influence, but blood analysis is still pending. The investigation remains ongoing.