Man assisting dog in roadway is killed by vehicle on Hwy 74

Police block off Highway 74 at Briggs Road for the investigation Thursday night of a traffic fatality. Menifee 24/7 photo: Doug Spoon

A man who exited his vehicle to assist a dog in the roadway on Highway 74 was struck and killed by another vehicle Thursday night in Menifee, authorities said.

The Coroner's Office identified the victim as Abel Soto, 25, of Corona. He was driving eastbound on Highway 74 between Menifee Road and Briggs Road at 5:23 p.m. when he stopped and left his vehicle in an attempt to assist the animal, according to a Sheriff's Department news release. Soto crossed the westbound lanes of traffic to do so.

A vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 74 struck the pedestrian, who died at the scene, police said. The driver, identified only as a 19-year-old resident of Hemet, cooperated during the investigation and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Highway 74 was closed for several hours between Menifee Road and Briggs Road during the investigation. It re-opened at 11:05 p.m.

Anyone who may have witnessed the accident and has not already been interviewed is asked to call Officer Kiebach at 951-210-1074.