A late-night collision on a San Jose freeway off-ramp left a 63-year-old woman dead today, and investigators say the driver who hit her never stuck around.
The woman was struck on the northbound I-680 off-ramp to Alum Rock Avenue at about 12:29 AM, according to the California Highway Patrol. Responding officers arrived to find the San Jose resident being treated by medical personnel at the scene. She was rushed to a local hospital but did not survive her injuries, as reported by NBC Bay Area.
The CHP is treating the case as a hit-and-run and has not yet released any details about a possible suspect vehicle. Investigators are now working to piece together what happened on that off-ramp in the minutes before and after the crash.
What the law says
Under California law, drivers involved in crashes that injure or kill someone are required to stop, provide identifying information and offer aid. Per California Vehicle Code §20001, as published by the California Legislature, leaving the scene of an accident that causes injury or death can be charged as a felony and can carry prison time and fines.
Local pattern of deadly collisions
The crash landed in the middle of a grim run of serious traffic incidents, keeping San Jose investigators busy this year. On Feb. 7, the San José Police Department publicly announced it was investigating a separate fatal hit-and-run on Capitol Avenue, per a department San José Police Department news release.
How to help
CHP investigators say witnesses could make all the difference in this case. Anyone who may have seen Friday's crash or who has relevant video is asked to contact the CHP San Jose office at 408-961-0900, the agency told NBC Bay Area. Tipsters and drivers with dashcam or security footage from the area around the time of the collision could provide crucial leads to help identify a suspect vehicle and potential witnesses.
