Freeway pickup driver sought in pedestrian hit-run

Investigators are looking for a hit-and-run pickup driver who ran down a pedestrian on a Carlsbad freeway shoulder, where he was helping a motorist Friday night.

The victim, a 48-year-old Tijuana man, may not survive his injuries, California Highway Patrol Officer Jim Bettencourt said.

He said the man had parked on the shoulder of northbound Interstate 5, south of Palomar Airport Road, to assist a friend whose vehicle was disabled. He was standing in front of his vehicle when a pickup veered onto the shoulder and hit him.

The pickup driver kept going and took the Palomar Airport Road exit, Bettencourt said.

Paramedics took the victim to a trauma center with life-threatening injuries.

Carlsbad police helped CHP officers search for the pickup, but never found it. It was described as a newer-model, white Toyota Tacoma. It would have sustained damage on the right front and possibly the right side and may have gotten a flat tire on the right side. No description of the driver was given.

Anyone with information about the pickup or the driver can call the CHP at (858) 637-3800.