Suspected DUI driver arrested after hit-and-run crash in East County

SANTEE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A man suspected of driving under the influence was arrested Sunday after a hit-and-run crash in Santee.

The incident occurred around 9:27 p.m. in the 9000 block of Mission Gorge Road, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Monday.

Witnesses told authorities the suspect vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed near the intersection of Mission Gorge and Fanita Drive when the suspect vehicle collided with another vehicle, leaving the motorist inside and blocking traffic.

The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Robert Panza, left the scene and ran towards the San Diego River, per SDSO.

Authorities were able to contain the area and detain the suspect.

Panza, who appeared to be intoxicated, was booked into sheriff's custody on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI and hit-and-run offenses.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Santee Sheriff's Station at 619-956-4000.