Police identify suspects sought in fatal hit and run

Police have released the identity of two suspects sought in connection with a hit and run accident that killed a Hemet man.

Authorities are asking for the public's help in locating Alan Guzman, 19, and Mario Ortega, 29. Guzman was identified as the driver of a truck that ran a red light and crashed into a Lexus at the intersection of Highway 74 and Menifee Road on Nov. 12, police said. The collision killed Ricardo Sandoval, 22, who was driving his wife to the hospital to deliver their baby.

Both vehicles ended up in a roadside ditch. The suspects fled the scene on foot, leaving two female juveniles in the truck. Sandoval died in his wife's arms, leaving a widow, two toddlers and a newborn baby.

Authorities believe that alcohol and marijuana were factors in the accident. They also believe that Guzman (right) fled to Mexico and Ortega may have fled north toward the Central Valley.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to call Master Investigator Tom Salisbury at 951-210-1046 or email tsalisbu@riversidesheriff.org.