CHP seeks public's help regarding hit-and-run on Hwy 74

The California Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s help with information about a hit-and-run accident on Highway 74 northeast of Lake Elsinore Wednesday night.

The incident occurred about 6:15 p.m. on Highway 74 at Hammack Avenue in an unincorporated area of Riverside County, according to a CHP news release. A 24-year-old male from Lake Elsinore was riding a 1985 Suzuki dirt bike motorcycle westbound on Highway 74 just east of Hammack Avenue at an unknown speed with no lighting equipment. The driver of a 2006 Ford F-250 pickup truck was traveling eastbound on Highway 74 and approaching the left-hand turn lane at Hammack Avenue at an unknown speed.

The pickup turned left onto northbound Hammack Avenue directly in the path of the motorcycle, according to the news release. The truck’s front end collided with the motorcycle and the motorcyclist was ejected onto the roadway.

A witness told officers that the driver of the truck stopped on northbound Hammack Avenue, exited the vehicle and fled north on foot. The motorcyclist suffered major injuries and was transported to Inland Valley Medical Center.

Anyone with information about this accident is urged to contact Investigator Fenton at the CHP Temecula Office, 951-506-2000.