Pedestrian fatally struck by pickup truck on SR-52

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A man was killed early Tuesday morning after being struck by a pickup truck on State Route 52, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash happened shortly before 1:40 a.m. in the westbound lanes of SR-52, just east of Regents Road in the University City area. Investigators say, for reasons unknown, the pedestrian was walking within the traffic lanes when he was hit by a Ford Ranger, which was driven by a 58-year-old San Diego man. The pedestrian suffered major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released at this time. Authorities said the driver of the Ford Ranger remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Officials believe alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the crash, prompting them to arrest the San Diego man on suspicion of driving under the influence. A toxicology report is pending through the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office to determine whether or not the pedestrian was under the influence at the time of the fatal incident. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by CHP's San Diego Area Office. Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to call investigators at 858-293-6000.