Charges filed against suspected driver; two victims remain hospitalized
By Lt. Bruce Jower, Walnut Creek Police Department
A man is in custody today following an accident in Walnut Creek. Around 5:15 AM on Sunday, June 2, 2024, Walnut Creek Police Department received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the area of Locust Street near Cole Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located the two people who had been struck by an SUV and sustained major injuries. They were transported to the hospital, where they are listed in critical condition.
The suspect vehicle involved in this collision was located by an officer, and the driver, Jose Chavez, 33 years old of Vallejo, was arrested. The regular Sunday Farmer’s Market held on Locust Street was closed for the day while the investigation continued, and residents were asked to avoid the area of Locust Street between Giammona Drive and Lacassie Avenue.
Case #: 24-15390
Charges: CVC 23153(A)- DUI Alcohol: Causing serious bodily Injury- 2 counts
CVC 20001(A)- Hit and Run causing serious bodily injury or death- 2 counts
PC 12022.7(b)- Enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury or death during the Commission of a felony – 2 counts
On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Walnut Creek Police presented the case from Sunday’s hit-and-run accident to the District Attorney’s office, and the DA filed significant charges against a 33-year-old man from Vallejo, Jose Chavez. Chavez is charged with two counts each of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing serious bodily injury, hit and run causing serious bodily injury or death, and an enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury or death during the commission of a felony. Chavez remains in the Contra Costa County Jail with bail set at $260,000.
The charges stem from an incident on Sunday, June 2, prior to the regular opening of the Farmers Market in downtown Walnut Creek. Around 5:15 that morning, Walnut Creek Police received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the area of Locust Street near Cole Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located the two people who had been struck by an SUV and sustained major injuries. They were transported to the hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
This case continues to be under investigation, and the names of the victims are not being released at this time.
If you or someone you know has information about this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 925-943-5865.
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