Saturday's collision happened along Sweetwater Road near Orange Street, authorities say
NATIONAL CITY, CA, (September 28, 2024) - Law enforcement officials in National City say they have arrested a hit-and-run driver involved in the death of a 30-year-old pedestrian early Saturday.
San Diego resident Bennie Ray Womack was identified as the hit-and-run driver suspected of fatally striking a pedestrian on Sweetwater Road in National City early Saturday, police said.
The tragedy unfolded around 2:30 a.m. in the 2400 block of Sweetwater Road near Orange Street.
According to preliminary findings, the pedestrian, whom officials did not identify, was struck by a dark-colored SUV, whose driver stopped momentarily only to move aside the victim and then took off. After hours of investigation, officers tracked down the motorist—identified as 43-year-old San Diego resident Bennie Ray Womack.
The male victim was transported to Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, where he passed away.
This is an active investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Despite every warning, every memorial, every death, too many drivers keep going, knowing they’ve hit someone.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), hit-and-run deaths in the U.S. have increased an average of 7.2% each year since 2009.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney and a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family members of the pedestrian may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident such as this incident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).