St. Helena Police Solve Wheelchair Hit-And-Run Case

ST. HELENA, CA — The Saint Helena Police Department reported a "great breakthrough" this week in a felony hit-and-run case involving a disabled pedestrian in a wheelchair.

The pedestrian was struck at 9:07 p.m. May 24 on Main Street at Spring Street.

"A pedestrian in a wheelchair was crossing west on Main Street in the crosswalk, when the person was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound," St. Helena police Lt. Justin Tharp said at the time. "The vehicle was last seen traveling westbound on Spring Street and was described as a Toyota Corolla, silver in color, with noticeable front-end damage."

The victim was stabilized at the scene by paramedics with AMR and the St. Helena Fire Department, then taken to the St. Helena Primary School where they were airlifted by CHP helicopter to Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa. The victim was listed in stable condition.

Officers continued to investigate the crime and were ultimately able to identify a Napa County resident as the suspect and driver of the involved vehicle, St. Helena police Sgt. Steve Peterson said Thursday in a news release.

"Officers have identified, located, and seized the suspect vehicle," Peterson said. "This was a great breakthrough by the investigating officers and a testament to their training and diligence."

The police department did not disclose the suspect's name.

The investigation was continuing; police asked anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Saint Helena Police Department at 707-967-2850.