Alleged hit-and-run by SDG&E truck leaves trail of damage in Cardiff
CARDIFF, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Neighbors are demanding accountability after an alleged hit-and-run crash that apparently involved a San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) driver left multiple cars damaged over the weekend in Cardiff.
Residents on the 2200 block of Manchester Avenue told FOX 5/KUSI they were woken up by a disturbing sound around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
“It sounds like a tank running a car over. Loud, loud crashes," Matthew Adams said.
Surveillance video FOX 5/KUSI obtained doesn’t show the moment two cars, including Adams’, are hit.
“But immediately after the crashes you see the large SDG&E truck drive in front of the camera’s view with a ladder dangling off of it which is convincing," Adams said.
He said numerous tools were also left scattered in the street.
“Bolt cutters, wire clippers, these big reinforcement poles that you’ll recognize on power lines and telephone poles,” Adams said.
Adams said his car is a total loss after it was pushed up onto a neighbor’s front yard and left marks behind.
The incident has left other neighbors shaken.
“It was my next-door neighbor, so I was kind of shocked," said Cardiff resident Robbie Swindell, adding that normally he parks on the narrow street, but the incident has him rethinking his routine.
“I think the most important thing is definitely driving slow especially down these back roads," Swindell said.
However, it turns out down the street two other cars were also damaged.
“My truck was blown into the neighbor across the street’s driveway and then the Tesla behind me that actually ran into my truck," said Cardiff resident Mickey Gardner.
FOX 5/KUSI reached out to SDG&E and while they didn't answer all of our questions communications manager Anthony Wagner sent us the following statement: “We are aware of the incident and actively investigating the matter. At SDG&E, safety is our highest priority, and we take incidents like this very seriously. We are committed to fully understanding what occurred and cooperating with the appropriate authorities as needed.”
Since his car was totaled Sunday, Adams has been getting rides from friends and waiting for answers from the utility company.
“I spoke with their claims spokesperson, and it sounds like they’re taking full responsibility for the incident," Adams said.
Meanwhile, Gardner said since calling 9-1-1 he’s at a loss for updates on what to do next while his truck is in the shop.
“It's just mind blowing that so many cars got hit and no one is doing anything about it,” he said.
FOX 5/KUSI reached out to the sheriff’s office and a spokesperson says they can confirm they’re investigating the case but couldn’t share any other information at this time.
