Suspected hit-run driver turns himself in to National City police after officer injured in crash

A 27-year-old man turned himself in to police Wednesday morning in connection with a hit-and-run crash the previous night in which a National City officer was injured, police said.

Santiago Ortega was arrested on suspicion of a felony hit and run after walking into the Police Department around 9:30 a.m., National City police Lt. Derek Aydelotte said.

Just after 7 p.m. Tuesday night, an officer in uniform was getting back into his department vehicle, which was parked on National City Boulevard near E 7th Street, when a white Honda Civic struck the officer, Aydelotte said. The driver kept going.

Witnesses told police they saw the car leave the scene of the crash and turn right onto West 8th Street. The car, which was recorded on surveillance footage, made another right turn onto north Interstate 5, Sgt. Kenneth Springer said.

The officer, whose name was not released, was taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries to his left arm and left leg. He did not break any bones and is recovering at home, Aydelotte said.

Police are investigating whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the collision happened, Aydelotte said. Police do not believe the driver hit the officer intentionally.

Ortega was booked into San Diego Central Jail Wednesday, according to jail records.