OCEANSIDE, CA – April 16, 2026 – A 76-year-old pedestrian was killed early Thursday morning in a hit-and-run crash in Oceanside, California, according to police.
Authorities said the collision occurred near Mission Avenue and Mesa Drive at approximately 5:15 a.m. when a 2005 Toyota Tacoma traveling westbound struck a pedestrian in the roadway.
The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s identity was not immediately released.
Police said the driver fled after the crash but was later located and arrested. The suspect has been identified as Oceanside resident Valentin Hernandez.
Hernandez has been charged with driving under the influence and hit-and-run causing death. The investigation remains ongoing.
