UPDATE: Hit-and-Run Kills 88-Year-Old Man
[Update, Friday, 12:36 p.m.]: Miguel Gutierrez-Vargas died Thursday night at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, said CHP spokesperson Jonathan Gutierrez.
[Original Story]: An 88-year-old Santa Barbara man suffered major injuries early Thursday morning when he was hit by a vehicle while crossing a residential street near Goleta. California Highway Patrol (CHP) spokesperson Jonathan Gutierrez said the victim, Miguel Gutierrez-Vargas, was crossing San Lorenzo Drive east of San Felipe Drive just before 6 a.m.
A witness who called 9-1-1 immediately after the collision said they saw a “late-model” maroon Chevrolet pickup truck flee the scene and turn right onto Andy Lane, according to a CHP press release. Gutierrez-Vargas, who suffered “internal bleeding, fractured bones, [and] multiple abrasions,” was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, according to the press release.
Anyone who sees a truck — with damage to its front — matching the Chevy’s description is encouraged to call the CHP’s Ventura-based dispatch center at (805) 477-4174.