Caltrans Contract Worker Struck, Killed By SUV On Interstate 15

ESCONDIDO (AP) — Authorities say a Caltrans contract worker was struck and killed on a Southern California freeway by an SUV driven by a man suspected of being under the influence of drugs.

The California Highway Patrol says the 21-year-old victim and other road workers were fixing sprinklers along Interstate 15, just outside of Escondido, when he was hit Monday afternoon.

Officer Jim Bettencourt says the driver of a Mitsubishi Montero was getting onto southbound lanes when he veered off the road, leading the vehicle to roll down the shoulder of the freeway before landing on its roof.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports the 31-year-old driver was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The victim's name has not been released.