Sanger, CA – In the early hours of Thursday, July 23, 2026, a pedestrian hit-and-run resulted in the death of Bernard Anhelm, 71, of Sanger, and led to the arrest of Alvino Castro, 57, of Sanger, according to KBAK.
The Sanger Police Department reports that the accident took place around 5:26 AM on Academy Avenue between Fourth Street and Fifth Street.
Authorities said officers responded to a report of a man found lying in the road by a passing driver and located Anhelm with traumatic injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Officers and EMS attempted medical aid, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver fled before officers arrived.
Sanger Police investigated the crash as a hit-and-run and used traffic cameras to identify a suspect. The suspect vehicle was located within 12 hours with the assistance of a Flock Safety automated license plate reader and camera system. Officers subsequently located and arrested Castro, who was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Sanger Police Department. 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.
Sanger Hit-and-Run Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers involved in any collision to stop, render aid, and remain at the scene to cooperate with law enforcement. A driver who flees the scene of a fatal crash faces significant criminal exposure in addition to civil liability, and a driver who violates this duty may be considered to have committed negligence per se, increasing their share of liability in the collision.
Regardless of the outcome of the criminal case, Anhelm’s family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim can provide the family with compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
Sanger Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, on Academy Avenue between Fourth Street and Fifth Street, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
