Police arrest driver in fatal hit-and-run collision in El Cajon

El Cajon police arrested a suspected driver in an early Sunday morning hit-and-run collision that left a pedestrian dead.

Police said they located the person they believe was driving a GMC SUV that fled after also hitting a power pole and fire hydrant on Avocado Avenue near Chase Avenue shortly before 1 a.m.

The vehicle was located, parked and unoccupied, about two miles from the crash site by officers using information from automated license plate readers, Lt. Joe Crawford said in a press release. The SUV had an airbag deployed and damage consistent with the crash, Crawford said.

Police said the driver was located at the address where the vehicle was registered. Police said he displayed signs of intoxication and admitted to being the driver in the crash, Crawford said. He was taken into custody without incident. His name was not immediately released.

Callers reporting the incident told police the deceased pedestrian had been pushing a shopping cart when he was hit. Paramedics responded but he died before he could be taken to a hospital. He was not identified.

Crews were called to manage the damaged hydrant and utility pole.

El Cajon police are asking anyone with information about the collision to call (619) 579-3311.