A retired officer from the San Diego Police Department was the victim of a hit-and-run accident while escorting a funeral on Monday, December 8th. The victim, identified as former SDPD Lieutenant Gary Morris, sustained two broken knees and a fractured ankle. Morris was working for California Motor Patrol at the time of the incident.
The crash occurred just before 1 p.m. at the intersection of Imperial Avenue and South 45th Street, near the Greenwood Memorial Park, in the Mountain View area of San Diego. Morris was directing traffic for a funeral procession from his motorcycle when he was struck by a car driven by an unknown assailant. According to witnesses, Morris and his motorcycle were sent flying 20 feet into the air. Morris was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital for his injuries.
Authorities believe the driver of the sedan that struck Morris was going 80 miles per hour before the incident. The driver was able to slam on his brakes, reducing the speed to 25 miles per hour at impact. The driver then left the scene, nearly striking other vehicles. Authorities found the sedan abandoned on West Street, about a block away from the crash. The driver had fled on foot, and has not yet been found.
