SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA : 3 dead, multiple people injured after accident near San Diego City College Bridge, suspected driver in custody on Monday, 15th March 2021

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Chief Colin Stowell confirmed Monday during a media conference that three people were killed and six were hospitalized with various injuries sustained when a vehicle mowed down pedestrians downtown.

The westbound Volvo station wagon veered off the street in the 1500 block of B between Park Boulevard and 16th Street shortly after 9 a.m. and struck the pedestrians, who were gathered on a sidewalk underneath the bridge amid several tents and various personal items, according to police.

"I don't know if people were sleeping, if people were sitting there," SDPD Chief David Nisleit told reporters during the briefing also attended by Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell. "I have not been given that exact (information)."

While police continued to investigate Monday night, homeless advocates reiterated how important it is for people in need of shelter to use the services available.

“The beds are there for them. We want them to come and utilize those beds so that we can get them into a safe environment, a sanitary environment. We can start working with them and helping them to get on their feet,” said Jim Vargas, Father Joe’s Villages President and CEO.

Vargas said more resources are still needed to move people from a shelter into permanent housing. Still, tragedies like this one not only add to the vulnerability the homeless face but also impacts the people trying to help them.

“It’s a sad day for us downtown, those of us who especially work very closely with those who’re on the streets,” Vargas said.

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