Hit-and-Run Arrest in Santee 

October 21, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on October 19th, 2025, at about 9:27 P.M., Sheriff's Deputies responded to reports of a multi-vehicle collision in the 9000 block of Mission Gorge Road in the city of Santee. Witnesses on-scene reported the suspect vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed near the intersection of Mission Gorge and Fanita Drive. The suspect vehicle collided with another vehicle, leaving the motorist inside and blocking traffic.

The suspect was seen by witnesses fleeing the collision scene on foot, running towards the San Diego River. The male suspect was described as being about 30 years-old wearing dark clothing. Deputies arrived and set containment on the area. The Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter and a Sheriff's K9 unit joined in the search for the suspect. With help from several callers in the community, Deputies were able to locate and detain the suspect, 37-year-old Robert Panza. Panza attempted to hide under vehicles in a residential area and in the brush. Panza appeared to be intoxicated and was taken into Sheriff's custody without incident. Panza was subsequently booked into Sheriff's custody for misdemeanor Driving under the influence (DUI) and hit and run offenses.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Santee Sheriff's Station at (619) 956-4000.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office