Pedestrian killed in Pacific Beach hit-and-run

Second deadly crash in the area in just three weeks

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 41-year-old man named Qwente Bryant was killed in a hit-and-run incident on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach, San Diego, around 2 a.m. on Saturday morning. This comes just three weeks after a 6-year-old boy was killed in a separate hit-and-run crash nearby. Police are searching for a white SUV, possibly a Mercedes, with front-end damage in connection with Bryant's death.

Why it matters

The two recent fatal hit-and-run incidents in Pacific Beach have raised concerns about pedestrian safety in the area. Residents and friends of the victims are calling on city leaders to take more action, such as increased police enforcement and traffic safety changes, to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

The details

According to friends and family, Qwente Bryant, known as "Q", was leaving his job as a manager at Tavern at the Beach when he was struck and killed. Police received multiple calls about a man lying in the street near Sandbox Pizza on Garnet Avenue. Bryant was just over a quarter-mile from his home when the incident happened. The most recent data shows that between 2021 and 2024, there were 79 people walking or riding bikes who were hit by cars within a half-mile of where the two recent fatal crashes occurred, with 14 people suffering severe injuries.

  • The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2026.
  • The previous fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 6-year-old boy happened three weeks prior, in the same general area of Pacific Beach.

The players

Qwente Bryant

A 41-year-old man who was killed in the hit-and-run incident on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach.

Mohab Hassanin

Qwente Bryant's friend and former roommate, who described him as "very electric" and "welcoming".

Ryan Torres

A Pacific Beach resident who called for more police enforcement and traffic safety changes in the area.

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What they’re saying

“His sense of humor is immaculate. The way that he grabs people because of his generosity — he's welcoming.”

— Mohab Hassanin, Qwente Bryant's friend and former roommate (nbcsandiego.com)

“More police enforcement — people aren't going to learn unless they start getting tickets and fines for their negligent driving.”

— Ryan Torres, Pacific Beach resident (nbcsandiego.com)

“What happened to my son is a tragedy. The person who took him from us acted with complete disregard for human life. I remain hopeful that [those] responsible will be brought to justice to the full extent of the law.”

— Qwente Bryant's mother (nbcsandiego.com)

What’s next

Investigators are searching for a white SUV, possibly a Mercedes, with front-end damage, in connection with Bryant's death.

The takeaway

The two recent fatal hit-and-run incidents in Pacific Beach have highlighted the urgent need for improved pedestrian safety measures, such as increased police enforcement and traffic calming solutions, to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future and protect the community.