San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

A 73-year-old Vista man was killed early Wednesday morning in a hit-and-run accident near the intersection of E. Vista Way and Monte Mar Road in Vista. The victim, Richard Louis Canngiano, was apparently attempting to cross the E Vista Way south of the intersection when, according to Sheriff's Deputies, a passerby observed the victim on the ground. It was not clear whether the man had fallen, or had been struck.

The passerby turned around to help the Canngiano. However, before the passerby could reach him, Canngiano was struck by a a small pickup truck similar to a mid 90's Ford Ranger travelling south on E. Vista Way in the #1 lane. The driver of the pickup truck stopped briefly, but fled the scene.

It is not clear why Canngiano was crossing the road so early in the morning, or whether other vehicles were involved. Regardless of why this accident occurred or whose fault it was, fleeing the scene of an accident causing injury or death is a crime. Under the California Vehicle Code § 20001, "The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident."

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Richard Canngiano. For the family's sake, we hope that the driver of the vehicle that fled this accident will come forward or be located quickly. The vehicle likely has a suspension lift and larger tires, and paint damage on the front end. If anyone has information about this incident, the driver, or the vehicle involved, they are asked to contact Deputy Cannon at the Vista Sheriff's Station (760) 940-4556.