A Fresno man in his early twenties faces multiple charges after allegedly fleeing the scene of a traffic collision and leading police on a slow-speed chase that ended with his vehicle crashing into an apartment building.
The incident, which occurred Sunday morning, highlights the serious legal consequences of hit-and-run accidents and the additional charges that can result from attempting to evade law enforcement.
The Initial Hit-and-Run Incident
The sequence of events began when a Fresno police officer responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Shields and Blackstone avenues. According to Lt. Skye Leibee, the officer arrived to find the aftermath of a crash but observed one of the involved vehicles driving away from the scene—a clear indication of a hit-and-run violation.
The fleeing vehicle showed extensive front-end damage, suggesting it had been significantly involved in the original collision. This visible damage likely made it easier for the responding officer to identify and track the suspect vehicle as it attempted to leave the scene.
The Police Pursuit
When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop by activating emergency lights and sirens, the driver refused to pull over, initiating what police described as a slow-speed pursuit. The officer maintained radio contact with other responding units throughout the chase, coordinating the response and ensuring public safety.
The pursuit route took the suspect vehicle through city streets before entering the Parc Grove Commons apartment complex at Fresno and Clinton avenues. The chase ended abruptly when the suspect’s vehicle struck a building within the complex, likely causing additional property damage and potentially endangering residents.
While this pursuit was characterized as “slow-speed,” even low-velocity chases pose significant risks to public safety. Police departments must balance the need to apprehend fleeing suspects with the potential danger to innocent bystanders, property, and the officers themselves.
The decision to continue pursuit in residential areas like apartment complexes requires careful consideration of these competing factors, as the consequences of a crash, even at reduced speeds, can still result in serious injury or substantial property damage.
Arrest and Discovery of Additional Evidence
Following the crash, police reported that the driver was initially uncooperative but was eventually removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. A subsequent search of the car revealed additional serious violations, including:
- An unregistered, loaded handgun
- Drug paraphernalia and remnants of controlled substances
These discoveries significantly escalated the charges the suspect will face beyond the initial hit-and-run and evading police violations.
The vehicle search was conducted legally following the arrest. California law permits officers to search a vehicle incident to arrest without a warrant when there is probable cause to believe evidence of a crime may be found. In this case, the hit-and-run incident and subsequent pursuit legally justified the search.
The discovery of weapons and drug evidence transforms what began as a traffic violation into a much more serious criminal case, demonstrating how seemingly minor infractions can quickly escalate when additional illegal items are involved.
Medical Evaluation and Booking Process
As is standard procedure following vehicle accidents and arrests, the suspect was transported to Community Regional Medical Center for medical clearance. Once cleared by medical professionals, he will be booked into Fresno County jail to face multiple charges, including vehicle code violations and weapons-related offenses.
The medical evaluation process serves multiple vital purposes in cases like this. First, it ensures that any injuries sustained during the crash or arrest are appropriately documented and treated, protecting the suspect’s health and the department from potential liability claims.
Additionally, medical clearance helps establish the suspect’s mental and physical state at the time of arrest, which can be crucial evidence in subsequent legal proceedings. This documentation becomes particularly important when drug use is suspected, as medical professionals can conduct tests and evaluations that may be used in court.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Laws in California
Hit-and-run accidents carry serious legal consequences in California, and this case demonstrates how additional criminal behavior can compound these penalties. Under California Vehicle Code sections 20001 and 20002, drivers involved in accidents have specific legal obligations:
California’s hit-and-run laws are designed to protect accident victims and ensure roadway accountability. The state takes these violations particularly seriously because fleeing the scene prevents proper investigation, denies victims immediate assistance, and often leaves injured parties without adequate information for insurance claims or medical treatment.
Statistics show that hit-and-run incidents have increased in California, prompting law enforcement agencies to prioritize these cases and pursue enhanced penalties for offenders who attempt to evade responsibility.
Immediate Responsibilities After an Accident
California law requires drivers involved in any collision to:
- Stop immediately at the scene
- Provide identification and insurance information to other parties
- Render reasonable assistance to injured persons
- Report the accident to law enforcement when required
Penalties for Hit-and-Run Violations
The penalties for hit-and-run depend on the severity of the incident:
Property Damage Only: Misdemeanor charges carrying up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000
Injury or Death: Felony charges with potential prison sentences ranging from one to four years, depending on the circumstances
Compounding Charges: When Hit-and-Run Leads to Additional Crimes
This Fresno case illustrates how fleeing the scene of an accident can lead to a cascade of additional criminal charges:
The legal concept of “compounding charges” means that each additional crime committed during or after the initial offense can result in separate penalties that often must be served consecutively rather than concurrently.
In California’s criminal justice system, judges have discretion in sentencing but frequently impose consecutive sentences when crimes are committed as part of a continuing course of conduct.
This means the suspect in this case could potentially face years in prison rather than months, as each charge—hit-and-run, evading police, weapons violations, and drug possession—may be treated as separate offenses requiring individual punishment.
Evading Police Officers
Failing to yield to law enforcement during a traffic stop is a separate criminal offense that can result in additional jail time and penalties, even when the pursuit is at low speeds.
Weapons Violations
The discovery of an unregistered, loaded firearm adds serious weapons charges to the case. California has strict gun registration and carrying laws, and violations can result in significant prison time.
Drug-Related Offenses
The presence of drug remnants in the vehicle creates additional possession charges that will be prosecuted alongside the traffic violations.
Property Damage and Civil Liability
Beyond criminal charges, hit-and-run drivers face significant civil liability for damages caused during the original accident and any subsequent incidents during their flight from the scene. In this case, potential damages include:
- Repairs to vehicles damaged in the original collision
- Property damage to the apartment building was sustained during the pursuit
- Potential injury claims from anyone harmed during either incident
In hit-and-run cases, civil liability often extends beyond simple property damage repair costs. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, punitive damages designed to punish the defendant’s reckless behavior.
Insurance companies typically deny coverage for damages caused during the commission of crimes, meaning the defendant may be personally responsible for paying hundreds of thousands of dollars. This financial burden can follow individuals for decades, as civil judgments often cannot be discharged in bankruptcy when they stem from intentional or criminal acts.
The Importance of Staying at the Scene
This incident is a stark reminder of why California law requires drivers to remain at accident scenes. What might have been a relatively minor traffic violation with manageable insurance consequences became a serious criminal case involving multiple felony charges.
Making the Right Decision After an Accident
Drivers involved in accidents should:
- Remain calm and stay at the scene
- Check for injuries and call emergency services if needed
- Exchange information with other drivers
- Document the scene with photos if it is safe to do so
- Contact their insurance company promptly
- Seek legal counsel if facing potential charges
When to Contact an Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, either as a victim or if you’re facing charges, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial. Legal representation can help navigate the complex intersection of criminal charges and civil liability often accompanying these cases.
An attorney can assist with:
- Understanding your rights and legal options
- Coordinating with insurance companies
- Protecting your interests during criminal proceedings
- Pursuing compensation for damages and injuries
- Negotiating with prosecutors when appropriate
Fatal Hit-and-Run Settlement Calculators
When fatal hit-and-run accidents occur, determining appropriate settlement values becomes a complex process that requires careful evaluation of multiple factors. Fatal hit-and-run settlement calculators are valuable tools for attorneys and families to estimate potential compensation amounts by analyzing various economic and non-economic damages.
These calculators typically factor in the victim’s age, earning capacity, life expectancy, medical expenses, funeral costs, and the financial dependency of surviving family members.
While no calculator can capture the full emotional impact of such tragic losses, these tools provide a starting framework for understanding potential wrongful death claims and help ensure that settlement negotiations adequately reflect the actual financial impact on surviving family members.
However, it’s important to note that these calculators provide estimates only, and actual settlement values depend heavily on specific case circumstances, available insurance coverage, and the defendant’s assets. Call us now at +1 415-986-4777 to talk to the experts.
Moving Forward
“If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, I want you to know that you’re not alone in this difficult time. These cases can feel overwhelming—not only are you dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma, but you’re also facing the frustration of a driver who fled the scene. As your attorney, I take that burden off your shoulders and fight tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable. Even when the other driver tries to escape justice, we have the resources and experience to track them down and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t let their cowardly decision to flee leave you struggling with the consequences alone—reach out today, and let us help you rebuild your life.” — Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys
The Fresno hit-and-run case demonstrates how a single poor decision—leaving the scene of an accident—can escalate into serious criminal charges with life-altering consequences. The suspect now faces multiple violations that could result in significant jail time and financial penalties, all of which could have been avoided by following California’s traffic laws and remaining at the original accident scene.
For victims of hit-and-run accidents, this case also highlights the importance of having proper insurance coverage and legal representation to ensure full compensation for damages and injuries. While law enforcement works to hold perpetrators accountable, civil remedies remain crucial for making victims whole after these traumatic incidents.
If you or a loved one were injured in the Stockton pedestrian accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Our experienced team at GJEL Accident Attorneys understands the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you’re experiencing.
We’re ready to evaluate your case, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve—all while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, we only get paid when you do. Call +1 415-986-4777 or visit our Oakland office to protect your future.
Additional Resources
If you’ve been involved in a traffic accident in Fresno or need to report information related to hit-and-run incidents, the following resources can assist:
Fresno Police Department
Emergency Services: 911 Non-Emergency Line: (559) 621-7000 Traffic Division: (559) 621-2455
Address: Fresno Police Department 2323 Mariposa Street Fresno, CA 93721
Online Services:
- Online Police Report Filing: Available for minor traffic accidents without injuries
- Crime Tips Hotline: (559) 498-7867
- Anonymous Tip Line: Text FRESNO and your tip to 274637
California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Fresno Area
CHP Fresno Office: Phone: (559) 262-0400 Address: 4030 W Nielsen Ave, Fresno, CA 93706
CHP Traffic Incident Information System (TIIS): Real-time traffic incident updates and road conditions
Fresno County Superior Court
Traffic Court Services: Phone: (559) 457-1801 Address: 1100 Van Ness Ave, Fresno, CA 93724
Online Services:
- Pay traffic citations online
- Request traffic school
- Check case status
California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Fresno DMV Office: Phone: 1-800-777-0133 Address: 1377 Fulton Mall, Fresno, CA 93721
Services:
- Accident reporting requirements
- Driver’s license issues
- Vehicle registration problems
Victim Services
Fresno County District Attorney’s Office – Victim Services: Phone: (559) 600-3141 Services: Support for crime victims, including hit-and-run cases
Marjaree Mason Center (Victims of Crime): 24-Hour Hotline: (559) 233-4357 Services: Crisis counseling and victim advocacy
Important Notes:
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after any accident
Always call 911 for emergencies or accidents with injuries
Report hit-and-run accidents immediately, even if injuries seem minor
Request a police report number for insurance purposes
Take photos and gather witness information when safe to do so
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.