Deadly Wheelchair Collision Suspect Arrested In Santa Rosa

SONOMA COUNTY, CA— A pedestrian in a wheelchair was struck in a deadly hit-and-run crash late Monday afternoon.

The fatal collision happened around 2:47 p.m. at the intersection of West College Avenue and Clover Drive, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department. Witnesses flooded 911 dispatchers with calls reporting that a white pickup truck hit a pedestrian and drove away, heading eastbound on West College Avenue.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe the man died on impact. Authorities said the victim’s identity will be released later by the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office after relatives are notified.

According to investigators, the driver of a white GMC pickup had stopped at a red light before the crash. An adult man using a wheelchair was crossing the intersection in the west crosswalk when the traffic signal changed. Police said the truck moved forward at a slow speed and struck the man while he was still in the crosswalk.

Witnesses told investigators that both the male driver and a female passenger got out of the truck after the collision, approached the victim, then climbed back into the vehicle and left the scene, according to Santa Rosa police.

Security camera footage helped investigators identify the truck’s make and model, while crime analysts used automated license plate reader data to locate the registered address tied to the vehicle. Before officers arrived, a family member contacted police and said the driver was waiting to surrender.

Police arrested 21-year-old Isreal Ramirez Sanchez of Santa Rosa on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death. Investigators said an adult woman riding in the truck was detained but not arrested.

Authorities are still investigating whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.

West College Avenue remained shut down for more than five hours while accident investigators processed the scene and collected evidence. The roadway reopened around 8:15 p.m.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant video footage should call Santa Rosa police Accident Investigator Brenden Sawyer at bredensawyer@srcity.org.

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