A 37-year-old man suspected of driving while intoxicated and injuring another motorist in a hit-and-run collision in Santee has been taken into custody, authorities announced Monday.
Deputies were dispatched around 9:27 p.m. Sunday to the 9000 block of Mission Gorge Road following reports of a multi-vehicle collision, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect reportedly traveled at a high rate of speed near Mission Gorge Road and Fanita Drive moments before crashing into another vehicle. The collision left the occupant inside the vehicle and obstructed traffic. After the crash, the suspect fled on foot toward the San Diego River, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Robert Panza, attempted to hide under vehicles near homes and in nearby bushes. A containment perimeter was established, and with the assistance of a patrol helicopter, K9 unit, and tips from the public, deputies located Panza.
“Panza appeared to be intoxicated and was taken into sheriff’s custody without incident,” the sheriff’s office stated.
Panza was subsequently booked on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant and hit-and-run offenses.
Anyone with information regarding the hit-and-run is urged to contact the Santee Sheriff’s Station at 619-956-4000.
https://timesofsandiego.com/crime/2025/10/20/santee-hit-run-dui-suspect-arrested-fleeing-crash-hiding-near-homes/
