Driver sought in fatal Merced hit-and-run

A 30-year-old Merced man was killed when he was hit by a vehicle as he walked in the Beachwood area of Merced, the California Highway Patrol reported Tuesday.

The man, whose name was not released, was found lying on Ashby Road about 7:13 p.m. Monday, investigators said. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Officer Moises Onsurez said.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the man left the scene, according to the CHP.

The man was wearing dark clothing including blue jeans, white tennis shoes, a maroon shirt and a black sweatshirt.

“At the time of the collision, the roadway was wet from previous rainfall,” Onsurez said. “There were no overhead streetlights in the area to illuminate the roadway.”

Investigators believe he was walking north along the roadway when he was struck and killed. It was not clear how fast the vehicle was traveling when the crash occurred.

Onsurez said the cause of the incident remained under investigation Tuesday.

The CHP is seeking help from the public to identify the driver and vehicle involved. Officers believe the vehicle may be a dark blue or purple-colored Honda Accord from years 1999 to 2002. The vehicle may have a damaged right-side mirror and front bumper.

Anyone with information is asked to contact contact Officer Brian Carr at 209-356-2969.

This story was originally published November 10, 2015 at 4:46 PM with the headline "Driver sought in fatal Merced hit-and-run."