Loved ones remember San Diego father struck, killed by hit-and-run driver on I-805

Thursday marks two weeks since a minor accident turned into a devastating tragedy for the family and friends of a 48-year-old man from San Diego.

Barrick Lo was a loving husband, father of three and friend, according to family friend Peggy Mok, who knew Lo for more than 20 years.

“He always called me sister, and I always called him brother,” Mok said.

Lo was killed following a minor accident while driving along Interstate 805 near the state Route 52 interchange two weeks ago, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Mok, sharing the account of one of the daughters in the car, said he had just picked up his 7- and 9-year-old daughters from fencing class and was on his way to meet his wife and 5-year-old son.

They were travelling south along I-805 when a car tried to pass them on the right-hand side, causing a small scratch on Lo’s car. Both drivers pulled over, but the other driver refused to get out of his car.

“He attempted to leave, and because my friend was blocking him in front of the car by putting both hands on the car’s front hood,” Mok said. “This is very cold-blooded, disgusting, and we’re very angry. He is a very, very kind person … He doesn’t deserve this.”

Lod died at the hospital two days later.

“The wife is certainly devastated, as well as his mother,” Mok said.

She said tips from witnesses helped police locate the driver.

“I just want justice. Put him in jail for life,” Mok said.

Lo worked as an attorney for Illumina. The company said in a statement, “Barrick was a valued member of the Illumina family for nearly a decade, and he made a lasting impact on his colleagues. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. He will be greatly missed.”

The suspected driver was arraigned last Thursday and pleaded not guilty, according to the DA’s office.

If found guilty, he could face up to 25 years in prison, the complaint said. It also shows he had at least one previous felony more than 30 years ago.