A serene Sunday morning at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market turned into a scene of chaos and concern when a vehicle struck two individuals, leading to their critical injuries. According to Hoodline, the hit-and-run occurred near the intersection of Locust St. and Cole Ave. at approximately 5:15 am on June 2. The Walnut Creek Police Department responded to the emergency, and the injured parties were quickly taken to a local hospital for treatment. The identity of the victims have been withheld due to the ongoing investigation.
Following the incident, the police located the suspect vehicle, an SUV, and the driver who had fled the scene was arrested. The driver's identity was initially withheld, but subsequent reports from the Contra Costa County website identified him as 33-year-old Jose Manuel Chavez from Vallejo. The Farmers Market, typically a haven for fresh produce and community gatherings, was completely canceled as an investigation into the collision continued.
Chavez is now facing serious legal repercussions for his actions. The Contra Costa District Attorney's Office has charged him with three felony charges, including two felony counts of DUI causing injury, and one for hit and run resulting in serious injury, as well as a misdemeanor for driving without a valid license
In addition to the criminal charges, this incident prompts larger questions about road safety and vendor security at events such as the Farmers Market. As the community reels from the impact of this tragedy, the Walnut Creek Police Department is urging anyone with more information to step forward, offering an Anonymous Tip Line for those wishing to share details without revealing their identity.
