La Jolla, CA (June 16, 2026) – A 71-year-old man sustained life-threatening injuries after a hit-and-run driver struck his moped on Sunday afternoon in La Jolla.
According to the San Diego Police Department, the collision occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m. on June 15 at the intersection of La Jolla Boulevard and Nautilus Street. Investigators said the victim was operating a 2025 Vespa moped southbound on La Jolla Boulevard and entered the intersection on a green traffic signal.
Police reported that a black Nissan Rogue, believed to be a model manufactured between 2008 and 2013, was traveling eastbound on Nautilus Street when the driver allegedly ran a red light and collided with the moped.
The impact left the 71-year-old rider with severe injuries. Authorities said he was transported to a hospital suffering from a fractured pelvis with internal bleeding, a brain bleed, a collapsed lung, and multiple fractured ribs.
Following the crash, the Nissan driver fled the scene without stopping to provide aid or information, according to investigators.
The hit-and-run remains under investigation as authorities work to identify the driver and vehicle involved. We hope the injured man makes a full recovery.
Why Hit-and-Run Crashes Involving Vulnerable Road Users Are Especially Serious?
Collisions involving mopeds, motorcycles, and other smaller vehicles result in severe injuries because riders lack the protection provided by passenger vehicles. Even relatively low-speed impacts can lead to significant trauma when riders are thrown from their vehicles or strike the roadway.
In hit-and-run investigations, authorities typically examine witness statements, surveillance footage, vehicle debris, and physical evidence from the scene to identify the fleeing driver. Investigators may also seek public assistance when a suspect vehicle description is available.
When serious injuries are involved, investigators conduct a detailed reconstruction of the collision to determine vehicle movements, traffic signal phases, and contributing factors. These efforts can provide valuable information for both criminal investigations and roadway-safety initiatives.
