Hit-and-Run driver from Florida and Columbia accident with Injuries Driver Arrested

Press Release

Lt. Jeff Davis (951) 765-3727 Lt. Jeff Davis

Pics by John Strangis & Ricardo Ruelas  with Hemet Eye News

On Sunday, July 10th, at about 2:13PM, Hemet Police Officers were dispatched to a major traffic collision at the intersection of Florida Ave and Columbia Street – two vehicles involved in which one rolled-over. Officers arrived and obtained information from several witnesses indicating one driver fled the scene from his vehicle - a white Lexus.

The driver fled despite the collision involving another vehicle that was occupied by a family – all of which sustained injuries. The injured persons ranged from the ages of 10 to 30 years old. Injuries included, but were not limited to, an open compound fracture to the leg, fractured shoulder, fractured knee, and a pierced lung.

 

Pics by John Strangis & Ricardo Ruelas  with Hemet Eye News

As officers and Hemet Fire Department personnel tended to the injured and initiated a traffic collision investigation, additional officers searched for the driver. The driver, Alexander Townsend, was located about 12 minutes later as he attempted to hide in the 2300 block of E Florida Ave.

Witnesses identified Townsend as the driver who caused the collision then fled. 

Pic By David Alvarez


Townsend was arrested for leaving the scene of an injury traffic collision and enhancements regarding inflicting great bodily injuries and prior violent / serious felony convictions. Townsend was transported to Riverside County Jail where he remains in-custody on $285,000 bail.

Alexander Townsend is a 53 year old, Colton resident who is currently on Post Community Release Supervision (PRCS) out of Los Angeles County for robbery. 

The cause of the collision is still under investigation to include whether or not intoxication was a factor.

SUBJECT ARRESTED !