Authorities Seek Driver in Deadly San Diego Hit-and-Run

The suspect vehicle was described as a white Mercedes-Benz SUV with damage to the passenger-side headlight.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Authorities are searching for a driver who fatally struck a 41-year-old pedestrian in Pacific Beach, San Diego early Saturday morning and then fled the scene. The victim, Laqwente Bryant, was crossing the street mid-block when he was hit by a westbound SUV that then drove away eastbound on Garnet Avenue.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run incidents are an ongoing problem in San Diego, with the city seeing a high number of such cases each year. This tragedy highlights the need for improved road safety measures and greater accountability for drivers who fail to remain at the scene of a collision.

The details

According to San Diego County Crime Stoppers, the suspect vehicle was described as a white Mercedes-Benz SUV, possibly a GLS or GLA model, with damage to the passenger-side headlight. The driver fled northbound on Gresham Street after the collision. Paramedics transported Laqwente Bryant to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

  • The incident occurred shortly before 2:10 a.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Laqwente Bryant

A 41-year-old San Diego resident who was fatally struck by the hit-and-run driver.

San Diego County Crime Stoppers

The organization assisting authorities in the investigation and appealing to the public for information about the incident.

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What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and search for the hit-and-run driver. They are urging anyone with information about the suspect vehicle or the driver's identity to come forward.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run highlights the need for improved road safety measures and greater accountability for drivers who fail to remain at the scene of a collision. The community is being called upon to assist in the investigation and help bring the responsible party to justice.