Pedestrian Struck, Killed In Lake Elsinore, Driver Cited With DUI

A 48-year-old Lake Elsinore man died after being hit by a suspected drunk driver on Sunday night.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:36pm

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A 48-year-old Lake Elsinore man was fatally struck by a 2022 Toyota RAV4 driven by a suspected DUI driver on Sunday night in Lake Elsinore, California. The driver was arrested and cited for misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol.

Why it matters

Pedestrian fatalities have been on the rise in recent years, with impaired driving being a major contributing factor. This incident highlights the ongoing need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of DUI laws to protect vulnerable road users.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred just after 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, with the driver of the Toyota RAV4 striking the pedestrian, Benjamin Douglass, who was walking within the southbound lane of Grand Avenue. The driver was transported to a local hospital, where he was unable to be medically cleared and was admitted as a patient before being released at 3:40 a.m. on Monday morning. CHP investigators determined that the driver had been driving under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest for misdemeanor DUI.

  • The collision occurred just after 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • The driver was released from the hospital at 3:40 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Benjamin Douglass

A 48-year-old Lake Elsinore resident who was fatally struck by the driver of the Toyota RAV4.

The driver of the Toyota RAV4

A driver who was arrested and cited for misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol after the collision.

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What they’re saying

“It is unknown at this time if the 48-year-old male was under the influence at the time of the collision.”

— Officer Brian Seel, CHP Temecula

What’s next

The driver's name has not been released, and it is unclear if he will face additional charges beyond the misdemeanor DUI citation.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of addressing impaired driving and improving road safety measures to protect pedestrians. It serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from driving under the influence and the need for continued efforts to combat this dangerous behavior.