Driver Arrested in Fatal San Diego Hit-and-Run

Viacheslav Akimenko was taken into custody for a February collision that killed a 41-year-old restaurant manager.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Accidents

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a solitary streetlamp and its shadow on a dark road, evoking the solemnity of a fatal traffic incident. — Police have arrested Viacheslav Akimenko on a warrant in connection with a February hit-and-run that killed 41-year-old restaurant manager Qwente Bryant. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Police arrested Viacheslav Akimenko on a warrant regarding a fatal hit-and-run collision in San Diego. The incident claimed the life of 41-year-old Qwente Bryant, an assistant general manager.

Why it matters

The arrest brings a formal legal response to the death of a local worker while providing some resolution to an investigation into a fatal mid-block collision.

Viacheslav Akimenko faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run causing death. He was arrested on a warrant following the fatal event.

The players

Viacheslav Akimenko

He is the suspect currently facing charges for the fatal hit-and-run collision.

Qwente Bryant

He was a 41-year-old assistant general manager at Tavern at the Beach.

The details

The collision occurred when a white Mercedes-Benz SUV struck Qwente Bryant at 1400 Garnet Avenue. Bryant was walking home through Pacific Beach after completing his work shift at Tavern at the Beach.

February 7, 2026: The collision occurred, resulting in the death of Qwente Bryant.
September 29, 2026: Police arrested Viacheslav Akimenko on a warrant.

Legal Context

This case follows established legal patterns for prosecuting drivers who flee the scene of a fatal accident in California. Such prosecutions are grounded in state vehicle codes that mandate severe penalties for hit-and-run incidents resulting in death.

The arrest resolves a critical search for the driver involved in the Pacific Beach collision. Local residents and business employees may see heightened awareness regarding pedestrian safety along the Garnet Avenue corridor.

The takeaway

Pedestrian safety remains a significant concern for those navigating busy commercial corridors like Garnet Avenue after late-night work shifts. Drivers are legally obligated to remain at the scene of any collision to provide assistance and cooperate with emergency responders.