Police are investigating a fatal hit and run at the intersection of Haines Street and Thomas Avenue early Saturday morning, March 25.
Taxi driver Zeki Tovi’s Crown Victoria cab was hit broadside and overturned after a BMW X5 sport utility vehicle heading eastbound on Thomas ran a stop sign at approximately 45 mph, investigators estimated.
The SUV was occupied by three men, all of whom fled the scene after the accident. According to investigators, officers contacted the SUV’s owner. At least one witness identified the driver among the three men in the vehicle, but police are still unsure if the owner of the vehicle was involved.
The owner reported his car stolen hours after the crash, a claim that has not yet been confirmed, according to San Diego Police Department Acting Detective Suzi Huntington.
“It is still very early in the investigation,” Huntington said.
The other two occupants have been identified and interviewed, according to Sgt. Max Verduzco.
Police have not released the names of the three occupants or labeled them as suspects.
The driver potentially faces vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run charges. If the police determine that the SUV’s owner was in the vehicle at the time of the crash, but not driving, responsibility still falls on the driver of the vehicle.
Additionally, the owner could be charged with falsifying a police report if it is discovered that the SUV was not stolen.
It is still unknown if alcohol was involved.