A 70-year-old man from El Cajon, California, is recovering in the hospital following a serious hit-and-run incident. Julio Arreola was struck while crossing the street near US Bank on Fletcher Parkway and Pioneer Way around 15:30 on Tuesday, resulting in multiple injuries.
Reflecting on his ordeal from his hospital bed, Arreola expressed his gratitude for surviving the incident, stating, “I was lucky not to get killed or paralyzed.” His sister, Luz Arreola, reported that he suffered fractures to his ribs and spine, along with requiring staples for a head injury.
In connection with the hit-and-run, police arrested 19-year-old Brian Guevara, who fled the scene. Authorities used license plate readers to track him down, and he has since been booked on hit-and-run charges.
Arreola’s injuries have left him unable to work at his television repair shop, creating financial strain as he focuses on recovery. He and his family are now advocating for increased driver caution to prevent similar tragedies. This incident highlights a troubling trend of hit-and-run accidents in the area, which has seen other cases, including a recent incident where a six-year-old boy was killed near City Heights and another where a twelve-year-old boy was hospitalized in El Cajon.
The family of Arreola is calling on the community to prioritize safety in hopes of reducing the risk of further accidents. The impact of such incidents extends beyond the victims, affecting families and the wider community.
As authorities continue to address the issue of hit-and-runs, the urgency for driver awareness remains paramount. The Arreola family’s plea serves as a reminder of the real human consequences of reckless driving.
