A 70-year-old man from El Cajon, California, is recovering in the hospital after sustaining serious injuries in a hit-and-run incident on March 12, 2024. Julio Arreola was struck while crossing the street near US Bank at the intersection of Fletcher Parkway and Pioneer Way around 15:30 local time.
Reflecting on his ordeal from his hospital bed, Arreola expressed gratitude for surviving the incident, stating, “I was lucky not to get killed or paralyzed.” His injuries include fractured ribs and spine, along with a head injury that required staples, as reported by his sister, Luz Arreola.
The driver involved in the hit-and-run, identified as Brian Guevara, 19, fled the scene but was later apprehended by police utilizing license plate readers. Guevara has been booked on hit-and-run charges.
While Arreola focuses on his recovery, his injuries have left him unable to work at his TV repair shop. He is now concerned about managing his bills during this challenging time. This incident highlights an alarming trend of hit-and-run accidents in the area.
In recent months, El Cajon has witnessed several serious cases, including the tragic death of a 6-year-old boy near City Heights and another incident where a 12-year-old boy was hospitalized.
Arreola and his family are calling on drivers to exercise greater caution on the roads to prevent further tragedies. They emphasize the importance of vigilance to ensure that such incidents do not continue to occur.
The community’s response to these incidents underscores the need for increased awareness and responsibility among drivers, as families like Arreola’s seek justice and healing from the repercussions of reckless driving.
