Santa Rosa, CA – On the afternoon of Monday, May 11, 2026, a hit-and-run collision resulted in the death of a man in a wheelchair and the arrest of Israel Ramirez Sanchez, 21, of Santa Rosa, according to KRON.
The Santa Rosa Police Department reports that the accident took place around 2:52 PM at the intersection of West College Avenue and Clover Drive.
Authorities said a white lifted GMC pickup truck was traveling eastbound on West College Avenue when the driver stopped for a red light. The person in a wheelchair was in the process of crossing south from Clover Drive when the light turned green.
The truck then allegedly began to proceed through the intersection at a slow rate of speed, striking the victim in the crosswalk. Sanchez and a female passenger exited the truck, approached the victim, and then returned to the vehicle and fled the scene.
Investigators used security camera footage and automated license plate readers to identify the suspect vehicle. As officers were en route to the truck’s registered address, a family member of Sanchez contacted the Santa Rosa Police Department to report that he was at their residence and willing to surrender.
Sanchez was taken into custody and arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death. The female passenger was not arrested based on the initial investigation.
The identity of the deceased had not been released at the time of reporting, pending notification of next of kin. The investigation remains ongoing.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Hit-and-Runs and Wrongful Death Claims
The compensation provided by a wrongful death claim can financially support families grieving the loss of a loved one due to another person’s negligence. These funds can go toward hospital bills, burial expenses, and help support any dependents of the deceased.
In cases where the at-fault party escapes justice, families may still be able to pursue compensation through their own uninsured driver coverage. A personal injury attorney can offer guidance on what options they may have available and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that victims receive the best settlement possible.
California Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
