OCEANSIDE–Oceanside police are asking the public’s assistance in indentifying the driver whose vehicle collided with a fire hydrant at a strip and left the scene.
Investigators say the accident occurred on September 12 at 1:28 p.m. in the 2100 block of Vista way.
The driver is described as a Hispanic female adult driving a new black model four door Toyota, possibly a Camry. The vehicle should have minor damage to the right, front fender and the right, front end.
She was travelling east on Vista Way when the vehicle left the roadway and struck the fire hydrant. The vehicle broke the hydrant loose from its mounting and unleashed a geyser of water. Much of the water collected on the roofs of five businesses in the adjacent strip mall. The roof gave way and collapsed, causing extensive damage to three of the five businesses and minor damage to the other two. The driver and vehicle fled the area without taking time to assess the damage or leave her contact information with anyone. Although no one was injured, there was over $200,000.00 in damage done to the property. All five businesses were closed and not allowed to reopen until cleared by city and county building inspectors.
Anyone with information on the incident can call Officer Bowman at (760) 435-4804.
