The San Diego County Sheriff's Office is asking Encinitas residents to help track down the driver who struck a pedestrian on Glen Arbor Drive and fled without stopping.
Deputies responded to the 400 block of Glen Arbor Drive shortly after 10:15 p.m. Aug. 16 after a vehicle hit a 49-year-old man walking along the roadway in the Village Park neighborhood, according to a North Coastal Sheriff's Station news release. The driver left the scene. The victim suffered major injuries and was taken to a hospital.
Investigators identified the suspect vehicle as a silver 2012–2014 Toyota Prius V. Law enforcement recovered what they believe is a passenger-side headlight washer from the vehicle at the scene, Fox 5 San Diego reported. The Prius may be missing that part or show additional front-end damage.
The Sheriff's Office issued its public appeal Tuesday, Sept. 8, asking anyone who witnessed the collision or captured video to come forward. The investigation remains open.
The Coast News identified the victim as Mike Eisenberg, a patent attorney who has lived in Encinitas for more than 11 years. Eisenberg told The Coast News in an Aug. 21 report that a vehicle veered toward the edge of the road and struck him as he walked against traffic in a parking lane near Leafwood Place.
"When I noticed the car bearing down on me, it was just a few feet away, going at a high speed," Eisenberg told The Coast News. "I had no time to react."
The collision injured his right knee, hip and elbow, The Coast News reported. He was using crutches and awaiting further testing.
Sgt. Kristy Trampus of the North Coastal Sheriff's Station told The Coast News that traffic investigators are pursuing a few leads. Eyewitness Megan Dietz told The Coast News she heard tires screeching and a thud, then saw a damaged hatchback heading south on Glen Arbor Drive. She called 911 at 10:16 p.m.
Anyone with information can call the Sheriff's Office at (858) 868-3200 or submit anonymous tips to San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or www.sdcrimestoppers.org.
