Border Patrol Captured I-15 Hit-And-Run Suspect In Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — Authorities have released more details about a hit-and-run injury crash Sunday on Interstate 15 in Temecula, including the suspect's capture by U.S. Border Patrol agents and an alleged carjacking attempt by the man.

Escondido resident Rolando Neil Dominguez, 49, an American citizen with an extensive criminal history, including felony convictions out of San Diego County, was corralled by USBP agents after he fled the fiery wreck on foot, the agency said.

During his attempted escape, witnesses told USBP agents Dominguez tried to carjack a motorist, according to the agency.

His capture came after Border Patrol agents spotted a man walking along Interstate 15 who matched the hit-and-run suspect description. "When agents stopped him for questioning, the man [was] uncooperative and resisted agents attempt to detain him," the USBP reported.

Border Patrol agents were able to ultimately hold Dominguez and the California Highway Patrol made the arrest.

Dominguez remained in custody Wednesday at Murrieta's Southwest Detention Center in lieu of $75,000 bail on suspicion of hit-and-run, and causing great bodily injury while driving under the influence, jail records show. Charges are expected to be filed.

The crash was reported at 5:15 p.m. on the northbound side of I-15, just south of Temecula Parkway. A 2016 Dodge Dart driven by Dominguez crashed with a 2014 Chevy Impala and the impact caused both vehicles to catch fire.

A 57-year-old woman in the Impala was hospitalized with major injuries. The Impala driver, a 57-year-old man, suffered minor injuries. Both people are Indio residents, according to the CHP.

An update on the woman's condition was not available.

After fleeing and allegedly attempting a carjacking, Dominguez was captured by USBP agents on the Temecula Parkway offramp.

“The U.S. Border Patrol is an all-threats agency," Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke said. "Stopping a convicted felon from fleeing the scene of a crime is a great example of this."

Three other vehicles were involved in the crash — a Nissan Altima, Ford F-150, and a Jeep Cherokee — but no other injuries were reported, the CHP said.

During the CHP's crash investigation, the # 1, # 2 and # 3 lanes were blocked, but traffic was able to travel in the construction zone auxiliary lane.

The crash was being investigated by the CHP, which reminded motorists to never drive impaired: "An impaired driver is an extremely dangerous driver."