Man killed in suspected Santa Ana hit-and-run crash

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- A man was killed in a suspected hit-and-run crash in Santa Ana, and police were on the hunt for the driver Friday.

The crash was reported shortly before 11:30 p.m. Thursday in the 1100 block of W. 17th Street. Santa Ana police said an anonymous caller said a pedestrian was lying on a sidewalk and appeared to be hit.

When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the victim, as well as debris on the roadway that suggested a hit-and-run had occurred.

Investigators believed the victim was walking along the roadway of the eastbound lanes of 17th Street when he was struck by the suspect vehicle.

The victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was described as a man in his 50s. His identity was not immediately released.

"It does appear that the vehicle was possibly leaking. They followed the trail of the fluid. It looks like he may have gone in the residential area and potentially could have came back to the scene, which would be even more disturbing," said Cpl. Anthony Bertagna with Santa Ana police.

Santa Ana police believe the suspect car is white with some front-end damage. Authorities did not have a description of the driver, who remained outstanding.

Police hope businesses in the area have surveillance footage of the suspect vehicle. Because the driver did not stop and render aid, he or she could face felony vehicular manslaughter charges.

An investigation into the deadly crash was ongoing. If you have any relevant information, you're urged to contact Cpl. Nelson at (714) 245-8208.

The westbound lanes of 17th Street were temporarily shut down for the investigation but have since reopened.