Castro Valley, CA — On Thursday, October 1, 2026, a 50-year-old man lost his life in a pedestrian hit-and-run, which led to the arrest of suspect Timothy Dewitt of Castro Valley, according to KRON.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the fatal accident took place around 1:25 PM on Somerset Avenue near Anita Avenue, near Our Lady of Grace Church.
Authorities have stated that the victim was attempting to cross Somerset while the pedestrian crossing signal was flashing, when a vehicle, identified as a white Chevrolet Tahoe, struck him and fled the scene.
Emergency responders attempted to save the pedestrian’s life. However, he unfortunately lost his life at the scene.
Based upon initial investigations, CHP officers were able to identify a suspected vehicle, which they were able to follow to Dewitt’s residence. He was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death and booked into the Santa Rita Jail.
The identity of the pedestrian has not been released as of the time of reporting. No further details have been released regarding possible influence of alcohol or drugs or excessive speeding.
Anyone witnesses who may be able to share information regarding this fatal hit-and-run are asked to call the CHP Hayward Area office. This is an ongoing investigation.
Castro Valley Pedestrian Hit-and-Runs and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers, like Dewitt, to exercise an additional duty of care toward pedestrians, and when an accident occurs, to remain with the victim, assist them in seeking emergency medical care, and cooperate with authorities. If Dewitt is convicted of hit-and-run resulting in death, he may be considered to have committed “negligence per se,” meaning that he would automatically be considered negligent for having violated traffic safety laws, increasing his share of liability in the victim’s injuries.
Independently of any criminal proceedings, the pedestrian’s family may have grounds to make a wrongful death claim with Dewitt’s insurance provider. A wrongful death claim can provide compensation for damages associated with this fatal accident, such as funeral expenses and the loss of emotional and financial support the victim had provided.
Castro Valley Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been harmed in an accident similar to the one described here on Somerset Avenue near Anita Avenue in Castro Valley, consider reaching out to a California wrongful death lawyer with any questions and to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
