Authorities Still Seeking Person of Interest in Hit and Run Accident

who they say is a "person of interest" in the fatal hit-and-run involving resident, Carlos Eduardo Salas on Sept. 7.

The victim, Salas, was riding a skateboard near the intersection and was struck by a black 1998 Nissan Maxima traveling southbound on Golden Lantern, authorities said. Salas was struck from behind about 25-30 feet across the intersection.

The car continued southbound on Golden Lantern and was later found unoccupied on Sea Glen in Laguna Niguel, authorities said.

Carrasco, also known as Mario Urbano Carrassco Martinez, is the registered owner of the car and has not returned to work or his Laguna Niguel apartment, according to Jim Amormino, Orange County Sheriff's spokesperson. 

"A warrant was executed to search his residence shortly after the incident, and it was confirmed he lived there," Amormino said. "He has not returned home or shown up to work since the collision. Damage to the car was consistent with the victims' injuries."

A witness near the scene of the collision when it occurred described the driver as a Hispanic male, mid 20s, with clean cut hair. Martinez is described as male, Hispanic, 25-30 years old, 5 feet, 2 inches tall, 160 pounds with clean cut hair and brown eyes. 

"He is still considered a person of interest and an investigation is active " Amormino said. "He is encouraged to contact police to see if the matter can be straightened out." 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Martinez is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Traffic Bureau at 949-425-1860. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at 1-855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.