After months of investigation, the San José Police Department (SJPD) has apprehended a 55-year-old San José resident, Vu Ngoc Lam, in connection with a severe hit-and-run incident that left one man seriously injured. The incident which took place on March 9, 2023, involved a pedestrian who was hit by a vehicle at the intersection of Tully Road and Flint Avenue, according to an official statement released by SJPD.
In a pursuit to bring the suspect to justice, SJPD's Traffic Investigations Unit detectives successfully identified the license plate of the grey 2021 Toyota truck believed to be involved in the collision. This breakthrough was largely due to the strategic use of the department's Crime Data Intelligence Center and Automated License Plate Reader cameras, which allowed them to track down suspect Lam eventually. On December 14, 2023, authorities were able to apprehend him at San Francisco International Airport.
The victim, a San José resident whose details remain confidential, sustained life-threatening injuries when struck by the truck as he was assisting a family with a disabled vehicle. It has been reported that the collision occurred at approximately 7:03 PM, and the truck in question fled the scene immediately after the accident. The injured man was rapidly transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Technical capacities at the SJPD's disposal played a crucial role in resolving this case, shining a light on the efficacy of modern police work. With tools like the Crime Data Intelligence Center, detectives can more efficiently communicate with other law enforcement agencies and synchronize efforts to solve crimes. An arrest warrant was issued for Lam on November 9, 2023, and his subsequent arrest occurred over a month later, culminating in his booking into San Mateo County Jail.
SJPD continues to seek additional information from the public regarding this case to possibly provide clarity on the events that led to the hit-and-run. The police department encourages anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward and contact Detective Aldinger of the Traffic Investigations Unit. Witnesses are provided several avenues to submit their tips anonymously, through the P3TIPS mobile app, by calling the tip line, or visiting the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers website.
