The Wednesday evening rush in Uptown Oakland took a brutal turn when a 59-year-old Concord man was struck in a hit-and-run and left in the street with life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to a hospital with a fractured skull, a broken leg and other serious injuries, and he remained in critical condition the following day, according to police.
The collision happened at about 5:58 PM near the 400 block of 23rd Street, close to Broadway, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Witnesses told officers the driver sped off in a silver Hyundai Elantra that was last seen heading north on Valley Street. As of yesterday, officers had made no arrests.
Police Hunting for Video, Witnesses in Uptown
Investigators are now leaning hard on the public for help. Oakland police are asking anyone who saw the collision, or who has surveillance, dashcam or cellphone video from the area around the time of the crash, to come forward. Even a few seconds of footage or a partial license plate could be enough to point detectives toward the car that took off.
Hit-and-Run Can Mean Prison Time in California
Under California law, leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury can be prosecuted under California Vehicle Code section 20001, as outlined by the California Legislature. The statute allows for prison time and fines, with stiffer penalties if the collision results in permanent injury or death. Depending on how severe the victim’s injuries are and the circumstances of the crash, prosecutors can file felony charges.
Case Unfolds Amid Statewide Road-Safety Crackdown
The hit-and-run comes as California officials are pouring money into traffic enforcement and pedestrian-safety efforts in response to rising road deaths. The governor’s office announced record grants for road-safety projects in October 2024, highlighting new funding for enforcement, pedestrian and bicycle safety programs and emergency medical services meant to cut down on serious injuries and fatalities.
The Concord resident remained hospitalized in critical condition and police said there were still no arrests as of Thursday evening. Detectives continue to canvass the Uptown area for witnesses and video. As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, anyone with information or footage tied to the collision is urged to contact Oakland police.
