Car Sought In Fatal Hit-and-Run Found In Solano County; Suspect Arrested for Suspected Vehicular Manslaughter

NORTH BAY, CA – A vehicle sought in a fatal hit-and-run Friday morning in Napa was found with the driver inside, officials with the California Highway Patrol said Saturday.

The driver of the car, and the registered owner, Russell Lee Wyant, 54, of Napa, was arrested for suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run resulting in death, the Napa Police Department confirmed.

The VW Beetle, established by law enforcement as the vehicle involved in the Friday crash, was found on Interstate Highway 80 in Solano County, CHP officials said on Twitter at 6:20 p.m.

The fatal collision occurred at about 2:15 a.m. Friday as Michael Daniel Green, 54 of Napa, was walking near Monarch Drive and Byway East, police said. Green was taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries Saturday morning.

Based on evidence, police identified the vehicle involved in the collision as a 2014 silver Volkswagen Beetle with license plate number 7EFY913. Police suspected the Beetle to be damaged on the lower part of driver's side.

Napa police said that late afternoon Saturday two callers reported seeing the wanted VW on I-80 heading into Vallejo. Solano CHP responded and stopped the car on I-80 near Tennessee Street, police said.

Wyant was booked into Napa County Department of Corrections, police said.

"The investigation is ongoing, and we still have some work to do, but Wyant would not be in custody without the help of our community getting the word out and the quick response from CHP. Thanks to everyone who helped out!" police said. "We also want to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Michael Dean Green and those affected by this crime and ask that you keep them in your thoughts."

Also see: CHP Identifies Unlicensed Mom Who Crashed into River, Killing 2 Children

--Bay City News contributed to this report/Images via Napa PD