Investigators are asking for help from the public to identify a driver who left the scene of a crash late Friday near Temecula that killed a married couple.

California Highway Patrol officials said Monday that alcohol might have been a factor in the crash — officers found an open container in the hit-and-run driver’s car.

About 11:50 p.m. Friday, Carlos Castro, 52, was driving a 2004 Honda Civic east on two-lane Glenoaks Road, CHP officials said. His wife, Laurie Castro, 50, was in the passenger seat. The Castros were just a few miles from their home.

As they approached Bella Vista Road, a westbound 1997 Chrysler Sebring crossed into their lane, striking the Castros’ car head-on, a CHP news release said.

The Castros died at the scene.

Witnesses told officers that the man driving the Sebring got out of the car after the crash and ran. He was last seen heading east on Glenoaks, the release said.

Thatcher said officers, with the help of a bloodhound, combed the rural area for hours but could not locate the driver. The stretch where the cars collided is hilly and lined with orange groves, vineyards and large properties with horses.

Officers were searching Sunday for a man described as Hispanic, about 30 years old, 5-foot-10-inches tall, 190 to 200 pounds, with dark, wavy hair, wearing an orange-and-white striped shirt and white tennis shoes, according to the CHP’s traffic information website.

Authorities ask that anyone with information about the driver who fled call the CHP’s Temecula office at 951-506-2000.

A bouquet of flowers is seen near the spot along Glenoaks Road near Temecula where a husband and wife were killed late Friday in a crash.

Hit and Run Felony – When Hit and Run results in bodily injury or death, a felony will be charged. According to California Law, a Hit and Run Felony is defined as, “a failure to immediately stop at the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving death or permanent injury to any person(s) associated with the accident.” Possible consequences for a Hit and Run Violations A person charged with hit and run may be subject to enhancements if:

• a third party was injured during the accident
• there was excessive damage to property
• the person caused a wrongful death
• the person has a prior criminal conviction

A hit and run conviction can result in jail time, monetary fines, probation, community service, and driver’s license suspension.

How soon after I am injured do I have to file a lawsuit?

Every state has certain time limits called “statutes of limitations,” which govern the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some states, you may have as little as one year to file a lawsuit arising out of an automobile accident. If you miss the deadline for filing your case, your claims can be dismissed. Consequently, it is important to talk with a lawyer as soon as you receive or discover an injury.

What damages are recoverable in pedestrian accident cases?

The injured party may recover damages for past and future medical expenses, past and future wage loss, past and future pain and suffering. If the defendant’s conduct is extreme, punitive damages may be awarded. If the pedestrian dies, his or her survivors are entitled to recover full compensation for their economic losses that result from the pedestrian’s death, as well as damages which stem from the loss of society care and comfort of the decedent.

Do I need to retain an attorney?

It is almost always a good idea to retain an attorney in a pedestrian accident case because there usually will be some questions related to fault and comparative negligence. Expert witnesses may need to be retained to reconstruct the accident factors, and help determine responsibility for the accident.The family members of the victim would be well advised to contact California Wrongful Death Attorney Gary A. Kessler about their legal rights in a wrongful death claims.