Salinas man killed in early morning hit and run

A 27-year-old Salinas man was struck and killed early Saturday morning in what police are saying was a hit and run accident.

Police report that the fatality happened at Natividad Road and Los Coches Avenue around 2 a.m.. Saturday.

Friends of the victim reported the accident to NewsChannel 5 late Saturday night, identifying him only as “Adrian.”

Salinas police have not released the man’s identity.

According to police reports, the victim was riding his bicycle westbound through the north crosswalk at Natividad Road at Los Coches Avenue against a red light. A light colored, possibly white, four-door sedan drove northbound through the intersection and struck the man, launching him over 150 feet.

Police say the driver fled north on Natividad Road.

The victim suffered massive head trauma and internal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the police report.

The investigation into the accident continues, preliminary information from a Salinas PD traffic investigator estimated the vehicle speed at approximately 70 mph.

The driver has not yet been located and the case is still under investigation. The Salinas Police Department Traffic Unit is looking for addition witnesses.

Anyone with additional information should call Officer Lek Livingston at 758-7980 or Sergeant Gerry Ross at 758-7975.

This is the 6th fatal traffic collision in Salinas this year and the first involving a bicyclist.