By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – A Vallejo man faces multiple charges stemming from a collision that injured two people at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market.
The incident occurred around 5:17 am on Sunday, June 2nd, on Locust Street in Walnut Creek, between Cole and Lacassie Avenues. This section of the street is typically closed on Sundays for a Farmers Market. While vendors were setting up, 33-year-old Jose Manuel Chavez (born 8/31/90) struck two female victims with his vehicle, causing serious injuries to both women. After the collision, Chavez fled the scene.
Walnut Creek Police responded quickly to emergency calls and located Chavez’s damaged vehicle entering I-680 at Lawrence Way. Officers pulled him over on Buskirk Avenue, near the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART station, by 5:20 am and arrested him shortly after. (See related article)
On June 5th, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Chavez in Superior Court. He faces three felony charges, some with enhancements, and one misdemeanor. The complaint includes two felony counts of driving under the influence (DUI) causing injury to both victims [VC 23153(a)]. These charges include enhancements related to injuries sustained by both victims. Chavez is also charged with felony hit and run resulting in serious injury [VC 20001(b)(2)] and a misdemeanor for driving without a valid license after a DUI offense [VC 14601.5(a)].
Chavez was arraigned today, Thursday, June 6, at 1:35 pm in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. He remains in custody at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond.
Case No. 01-24-02263 | The People of the State of California v. Chavez, Jose Manuel
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, six-foot, 230-pound Chavez is being held on no bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 17, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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