Merced hit-and-run crash kills pedestrian near Golden Valley High, police say

Authorities are investigating after hit-and-run crash near Golden Valley High killed a pedestrian early Monday.

Officers responded before 1 a.m. to East Childs Avenue and Watertown Drive after a passing motorist found a man lying in the roadway, Sgt. Leone Pintabona said.

Officers found the pedestrian and medical personnel tried to save his life, but were unsuccessful.

According to police, a 22-year-old man was driving a 2004 Mercedes eastbound on East Childs Avenue when the vehicle struck the 43-year-old pedestrian, who is believed to have been walking in the roadway.

The driver initially fled before returning about 15 minutes later. According to Pintabona the driver did not appear to be intoxicated and was cooperative with police.

He was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, and ultimately cited and released due to booking protocols at the jail, according to Pintabona.

Pintabona said the collision remains under investigation and police are looking for any surveillance footage from the area which may have recorded the suspect vehicle.

Police did not release the victim’s name pending notification of next of kin. The suspect’s name also has not been released.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Merced Police Department at 209-385-6912.

This story was originally published August 17, 2021 at 12:24 PM.