Santee Family Wants Cement Truck Driver Arrested

The family of a man who was hit by a cement truck at the intersection of Mission Gorge Road and Cottonwood Avenue wants the driver arrested. A surveillance video purportedly shows the victim, 24-year-old Stevie Eastman crossing the intersection at a green light, and the truck striking him as he walked. Mr. Eastman died in the accident.

Fernando Diaz, the manager nearby Ferny’s Taco Shop, saw the driver get out of the truck and kneel next to Mr. Eastman right after the collision.

San Diego Sheriffs told 10News that is reluctant to arrest the driver because the surveillance, according to it, is inconclusive as to whether or not a crime has been committed.

“What we want to do is look into everyone’s life for 48, 72 hours before this happened,” the Sheriff’s Department said. “What were they doing? Who were they with? Why were they there?” An accident reconstruction investigator has been assigned to the case, but it could be weeks before the results of the investigation are complete.

Under California law, even if no arrest is made, the family would still have an avenue to justice in the civil court system. The family could sue the driver, and maybe his employer, for the negligent operation of his truck, and get some of the answers they are looking for.

In the 10News report (seen here), Mr. Eastman’s 13-year-old sister was inconsolable:

“He loved everyone, I know he loved me. He was just the best,” she said. “He was always there for me and stuff. I don’t know why he had to leave.”

Watch the 10News coverage here

Walton Law Firm is a San Diego personal injury law firm representing individual and families in cases of serious personal injury and wrongful death matters. Free consultations can be obtained by calling (760) 571-5500.