National City Police arrest man suspected of fatal DUI hit-and-run after witness follows fleeing man

NATIONAL CITY, Calif. -- A 54-year-old woman was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident early Saturday morning on East Plaza Boulevard around 2:12 AM. Officers responded to reports of a person lying in the street, finding her unresponsive in the center divider. Despite immediate CPR efforts by law enforcement and paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators determined that she had been struck by a vehicle that fled the area. Evidence and debris collected at the scene provided crucial information, allowing authorities to trace the suspect vehicle to the 600 block of E. 18th Street. The vehicle exhibited significant damage consistent with having been involved in a pedestrian collision.

27-year-old Jamal Dekwon Lee was identified as the driver of the suspect vehicle and was subsequently arrested at his residence. He faces serious charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing death or great bodily injury, and felony hit-and-run resulting in death or injury.

The victim's identity has not yet been released, pending notification of her next of kin. The investigation remains active, with officials seeking additional information from the public regarding the case.

This incident underscores the severe implications of driving under the influence and the legal consequences of leaving the scene of an accident. Authorities are calling on anyone with pertinent information to step forward.