Sajjad Hameed Ismael Arrested after Fatal Car Crash near Waring Road
SAN DIEGO, CA (May 17, 2018) – A DUI accident on Interstate 8 killed one person and injured two others in the east end of Mission Valley, on Thursday afternoon.
According to the California Highway Patrol, 20-year-old Sajjad Hameed Ismael of San Diego was driving recklessly on the westbound I-8 in a white 2001 Toyota Avalon, when he rear-ended a 2017 Toyota Prius. The Avalon, containing four people, was seen speeding in and out of traffic prior to the collision.
From the impact of the crash, the Avalon lost control and swerved across the lanes of the freeway, up the embankment in the center median. After hitting several trees, the car rolled back down onto the freeway, coming to a rest in the center lanes. It has severe damage to the passenger’s side.
The passenger sitting in the left rear seat was pronounced dead on scene. The 18-year-old El Cajon resident’s identity has not been released, pending notification to family. The passenger sitting in the front seat sustained major injuries and was taken to the Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest, while the right rear passenger suffered minor injuries. The 38-year-old woman driving the Prius was reportedly uninjured.
The suspect got out of the vehicle and ran on foot, only to be found 15 minutes later in the area near Mission Road in Grantville. He was taken into custody and underwent a precautionary hospital evaluation before being booked into county jail on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run causing death, and reckless driving. He was also wanted for three warrants involving charges of DUI and driving without a valid license, and held on $505,000 bail pending arraignment.
Four lanes of I-8 west were closed for several hours during investigation and clean up. Traffic was backed up for miles until the reopening of lanes around 6:45 PM. No additional information is available as authorities continue to investigate the accident.
Sincere sympathies to the young victim killed in this tragic accident. May he rest in peace.
If you have lost a loved one in a tragic DUI collision, contact the wrongful death lawyers at Sweet Law Group. With over 40 years of experience in the legal field, we know what it takes to win your case and achieve the compensation and justice that you and your family deserve. Call now at (800) 203-3061 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a legal professional in your city. We are available to clients 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week, to answer any questions or concerns that you may have about your case.