A man using a wheelchair was struck and killed yesterday afternoon by a hit-and-run driver on Santa Rosa’s west side, and the search is now on for the person behind the wheel, authorities said.
The collision happened around 2:45 p.m. near West College Avenue and Clover Drive. Police said a white, lifted GMC pickup traveling east on W. College Avenue hit the man as he crossed south from Clover Drive. The victim was an adult male, and the Sonoma County coroner is withholding his name until family members are notified. College Avenue was shut down in both directions while officers examined the scene, and the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office assisted with the investigation, according to CBS News.
State law and potential charges
Under California law, any driver involved in a crash that causes injury or death is required to stop, share identifying and insurance information and provide reasonable assistance to anyone who is hurt. Leaving instead of stopping in a crash like this can be prosecuted under Vehicle Code §20001, and when a death or permanent, serious injury occurs the law allows prosecutors to file felony charges that can carry prison time, per California Legislative Information.
Investigators seek answers
Santa Rosa police said detectives are still working to identify a suspect and have not released any additional information about who owns the pickup involved. College Avenue remained closed into the evening while officers documented the scene and collected evidence, according to CBS News.
Local history on College Avenue
College Avenue has been the site of other deadly pedestrian crashes in recent years. Police previously asked for witnesses after a deadly collision there in March 2024. That earlier case, along with other serious incidents on major Santa Rosa arterials, has kept pedestrian safety in the spotlight.
Officials are holding back further details in the latest case while the investigation continues. More information is expected as police track the driver and notify the victim’s family.
