Search Continues for Driver in Fatal Route 14 Crash

The California Highway Patrol is investigating a hit-and-run that occurred on October 8, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Accidents

Search Continues for Driver in Fatal Route 14 Crash

A fatal hit-and-run collision on State Route 14 killed 28-year-old Semaj Weldon on October 8, 2026. The driver of a white Kia fled the scene on foot following the crash, which caused a Dodge Ram truck to flip over.

Why it matters

The investigation remains active as authorities work to locate the suspect who abandoned the scene before law enforcement arrived. This incident has left a family in mourning and sparked a search for public assistance in identifying the driver.

The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation and currently seeks information from the public. Authorities have provided a tip line at 800-222-8477 and an officer contact number at 661-600-1600 for those with leads.

The players

California Highway Patrol

This is the state agency responsible for patrolling highways and investigating major traffic collisions in California.

Semaj Weldon

The 28-year-old Lancaster resident was the victim who died after being ejected from a vehicle during the collision.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

This facility is a primary acute care hospital located in the Santa Clarita area that treats trauma patients.

The details

The collision involved a white Kia and a Dodge Ram truck in the northbound lanes of State Route 14, resulting in the ejection of Lancaster resident Semaj Weldon. Two passengers from the truck were transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital for treatment of major and less-severe injuries respectively.

Timeline

  1. The fatal hit-and-run occurred on October 8, 2026, at 4:13 p.m.

Legal Context

The search for the driver follows established enforcement patterns set by California Vehicle Code Section 20001 regarding the duty to stop at a collision scene. Local law enforcement frequently uses these protocols to prioritize the apprehension of suspects involved in fatal hit-and-run cases.

Residents should remain aware of the ongoing investigation and report any relevant information regarding the white Kia or the suspect to the authorities. This incident serves as a reminder for drivers to exercise extreme caution on State Route 14.

The takeaway

Drivers are encouraged to report suspicious vehicle activity or information regarding hit-and-run incidents to local law enforcement immediately. Cooperating with official tip lines remains the most effective way for the community to assist in active investigations.

Further reading

For more information on road safety and incident reports in the region, visit Accidents.