Driver arrested after multiple hit-and-run crashes, CHP seeking information

PALMDALE – A 25-year-old motorist was arrested late Wednesday morning after he hit multiple vehicles on the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway and attempted to flee the scene, authorities said.

Nicholas J. Matsuk of Ventura was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and hit and run, according to Gil Hernandez of the California Highway Patrol’s Antelope Valley office.

Hernandez said the CHP is seeking additional witnesses to the collisions.

According to Hernandez, the incident began around 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, Sept, 30, when Nicholas Matsuk, driving a 2006 Nissan Altima, collided with another vehicle in the northbound lanes of the 14 Freeway, north of the I-5 Freeway.

“Mr. Matsuk fled the scene northbound on SR-14 in a reckless manner with the victim following,” Hernandez stated. “Mr. Matsuk was then involved in two additional hit-and-run traffic collisions south of Ward Road as he attempted to flee. Mr. Matsuk was then involved in a fourth hit-and-run traffic collision between Crown Valley Road and Santiago Canyon Road.”

After fleeing his fourth hit-and-run, Matsuk crashed his Altima into the concrete center divider on northbound SR-14, north of Sierra Highway.

“Following this collision, the Nissan Altima became disabled in the northbound lanes of SR-14. Mr. Matsuk fled on foot in a south easterly direction… [and] was apprehended on the Sierra Highway onramp to northbound SR-14 by two retired law enforcement officers that had been following,” Hernandez stated.

A law enforcement helicopter directed ground units to the location, and Matsuk was arrested and transported by ambulance to Palmdale Regional Medical Center for evaluation, according to Hernandez.

“The California Highway Patrol is seeking assistance from the public in identifying persons in the vicinity of northbound SR-14 at Sierra Highway, or Sierra Highway and Soledad Canyon Road, who might have witnessed or encountered Mr. Matsuk attempting to enter vehicles,” Hernandez stated. “Victims or witnesses are urged to call the California Highway Patrol Office at 661-948-8541.”

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