Jorge Topete Killed in Salinas Car Crash near North Sanborn Road and Freedom Parkway; Juan Gonzalez Arrested

Sheriff’s Office Identifies Uber Driver Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash in Salinas

Salinas, California: The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified the Uber driver who died after his car was hit by another vehicle Sunday night in Salinas.

Jorge Vasquez Topete, 53, of Salinas, died in a hit-and-run accident that happened around 11:41 p.m. near North Sanborn Road and Freedom Parkway.

According to Salinas police, Topete was an Uber driver and had a passenger riding through the rideshare app at the time of the collision.

Authorities did not mention the manner of the crash.

Topete was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. His passenger was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

The other driver involved fled the scene on foot, leaving the car at the scene.

The suspect was later arrested Monday morning. He was identified as Juan Manuel Gonzalez, 27. Gonzalez was booked into the Monterey County Jail on charges of vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, driving without a license, and violation of probation and vandalism. His bail was set at $57,900.