21-year-old arrested in Santa Rosa hit-and-run that killed man in wheelchair: police
SANTA ROSA, Calif. -- A 21-year-old Santa Rosa motorist driving a pickup truck was arrested after he allegedly struck and killed a man in a wheelchair on Monday afternoon and fled the scene, according to police.
The Santa Rosa Police Department said officers responded at 2:47 p.m. to reports of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision at West College Avenue and Clover Drive. Police said witnesses reported that a lifted white pickup truck fled after the crash.
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Responding officers and firefighters found the victim dead at the scene. Investigators believe the man was killed on impact, police said.
According to investigators, the victim was crossing south in a wheelchair in the west crosswalk when the eastbound traffic signal turned green. Police said the driver of a lifted white GMC pickup truck began moving slowly through the intersection and struck the man.
The department said a man and woman got out of the truck and approached the victim before returning to the vehicle and driving away east on West College Avenue.
Investigators used surveillance footage and automated license plate reader technology to identify the truck. While officers were heading to the registered address, a family member contacted them and said the driver was waiting at a residence to surrender.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death.
The female passenger was not arrested, police said.
Investigators are still working to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the collision.
West College Avenue remained closed for several hours while investigators processed the scene. Police ask witnesses or anyone with video footage to contact investigator Brenden Sawyer at bredensawyer@srcity.org.
"The Santa Rosa Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the victim's family and loved ones during this difficult time," the department said. "We urge all drivers to remain vigilant, obey traffic signals, and exercise caution at intersections to help prevent future tragedies and protect everyone who shares our roadways."
