Escondido CA— On January 16, 2016 at about 5:49 pm, officers from the Escondido Police Department were dispatched to Palomar Medical Center located 2185 Citracado Parkway regarding a serious injury collision. Officers arrived at 5:55 PM and found three persons already being treated by hospital staff.
Based on driver statements, witness statements, and evidence at the scene it appears the following occurred. A white 2000 Toyota Tocoma was being driven by 89-year-old John Marin, a San Marcos resident. Mr. Marin was driving near the front entrance to the hospital when he suddenly accelerated and struck two persons.
James Donaldson, age 63 from Oceanside, had just been treated at the hospital and was being pushed in a wheel chair by and a friend, Elena Cendejas, age 67, also an Oceanside resident. Lifesaving measures were unsuccessful and Donaldson later died from the collision injuries. Cendejas was admitted to the hospital in stable condition. Mr. Marin was evaluated at the hospital but did not sustain any injury.
The cause of this collision is still under investigation. The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by Russ Gay of the Traffic Division. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Officer Gay at (760) 839-4470