Man Dies After Being Hit By Alleged Drunken Driver From Temecula

A Wildomar man who was struck by an alleged drunk driver has died, police are reporting.

According to Cloutier’s report, Ruggles was in the middle of traffic lanes on northbound Mission Trail, guiding a man who was backing a black pickup truck hooked to a utility trailer from a residence on Mission Trail.

Cloutier described the area as “dimly lit.”

Meanwhile, Barclay was driving north on Mission Trail and “did not appear to see the truck or trailer until just prior to impacting the trailer which was then in the #1 northbound lane,” according to the sergeant’s report.

During the collision, Ruggles was thrown and landed on the east roadway edge, striking his head on the pavement, Cloutier’s report continued. He was transported to Wildomar’s Inland Valley Medical Center for surgery, the sergeant said, however, the Riverside County Coroner’s Office is reporting he succumb to his injuries at 7:45 p.m. Monday.

According to jail records, Barclay was arrested at the scene on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI but is no longer in custody.

According to Sgt. Lisa McConnell of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, more serious charges are expected to be filed against Barclay. 

Check back for updates on this story.