A tragic hit-and-run crash in West Santa Rosa claimed the life of a man in a wheelchair Monday afternoon, leaving authorities searching for the driver responsible.
According to the Santa Rosa Police Department, the deadly collision happened around 2:45 p.m. near the intersection of West College Avenue and Clover Drive.
Investigators said a white lifted GMC pickup truck was traveling eastbound on West College Avenue when it struck the pedestrian, who was crossing southbound from Clover Drive in a wheelchair.
Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene, but the victim suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. Officials confirmed the victim was an adult male, though his identity has not yet been released as the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office works to notify family members.
Police said the driver did not stop after the collision and fled the area, turning the incident into an active hit-and-run investigation.
At this time, investigators are still working to determine whether the victim was inside a marked crosswalk when the crash occurred.
The crash caused major traffic disruptions in the area as West College Avenue remained closed in both directions for several hours Monday evening while officers processed evidence and examined the scene.
Authorities are now attempting to identify and locate the suspect vehicle described as a white lifted GMC pickup truck. Detectives are expected to review surveillance footage and speak with witnesses as the investigation continues.
The Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office is also assisting in the investigation.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen the vehicle involved to come forward with information that could help identify the driver.
The incident has once again raised concerns about pedestrian safety and hit-and-run crashes in busy roadway areas across California.
