The victim, Matthew Ingalls, was leaving work headed home when he was struck. Those who worked with him said he was selfless and caring and cannot believe he was killed Thursday night.
Matthew Ingalls was a Courtesy Clerk at Vons grocery store for eight years.
"He was 31 and he looked like he was about 18. So apparently being happy and taking care of other people keeps you young cause he looked fabulous," said Vons store manager Pamela Fuller.
Fuller said it was tough showing up Friday after learning this special needs worker was killed walking home Thursday night. "This is a tight knit group and he's one of us," she said.
Investigators said a man was driving drunk in the rain when he lost control of his truck and slammed it into Ingalls.
"The driver fled from the scene," said police spokesperson Cynthia Valdez.
Valdez said detectives are investigating this as a hit and run and have a person of interest ... 34-year-old Juan Lopez of Fresno.
"The reason we believe he was the driver is because the vehicle is registered under his name and his identification was found inside," said Valdez.
A passenger in the vehicle suffered minor injuries and was charged with public intoxication. Ingalls died at Community Regional Medical Center. His friends placed flowers at the crash site in his memory.
Fuller said, "He had a sincere smile, a friendly sincere hello for everyone no matter how many times you saw him throughout the day."
If you have seen Lopez detectives ask that you call the police department. Investigators said the driver of the vehicle faces vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run charges.
