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 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.
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 will be arraigned today at 1:35 pm in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. He remains in custody at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond.
On June 2, the Walnut Creek Police Department released the following information:
Major Injury Hit and Run Collision Under Investigation; Driver Arrested
Date: June 2, 2024
A man is in custody today following an accident in Walnut Creek. Around 5:15 this morning, June 2 Walnut Creek Police Department received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the area of Locust St. 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 was arrested. Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, we will not be releasing the names of the victims or the driver at this time. We will provide further updates when they are available, including what charges are expected to be filed against the driver.
The regular Sunday Farmer’s Market held on Locust St. has been closed for the day while the investigation continues.
If you or someone you know has information about this case, we encourage you to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the Anonymous Tip Line at 925-943-5865.
Other DUI Stories:
- May 29 – CHP Makes Over 1,350 Arrests During Memorial Day Weekend
- May 2 – 31-Year-Old Man Dies in DUI Related Crash in Oakley
- May 1 – Driver Arrested for DUI in Baflour Road Crash in Brentwood
1 comment
Nice work WCPD.