California Injury Blog
A 75-year-old woman was fatally injured in a hit-and-run car accident in Rowland Heights the night of June 11. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the incident occurred in the 1800 block of South Saleroso Drive at Rio Bonito Drive. The woman who was crossing the street with her husband was struck by a 2009 Pontiac G6, which left the scene after the collision. The woman’s husband said the driver accelerated and fled after striking his wife. The woman was transported to an area hospital where she died.
Public Helps Locate Suspect
Police were on the lookout for the hit-and-run driver, but he turned himself in June 12. He was identified as 46-year-old Sean Patrick Dooley. California Highway Patrol officials arrested him on suspicion of felony hit and run causing great bodily injury or death and gross vehicular manslaughter. CHP officials thanked members of the public with home surveillance systems who helped and those who used social media to share information about being on the lookout for the suspect vehicle.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of this deceased victim, especially her husband who watched her get struck and killed. Let us all keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Justice for Victims’ Families
Based on this news report, the driver not only struck and critically wounded this elderly woman, but sped up and left the scene without stopping to help the victim or exchange information. This is a felony crime under California law. California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) requires motorists to stop immediately and remain at the scene of a crash. They are also required to exchange information with other parties and most importantly, render aid to the victim. This could be something as simple as calling 911 and getting help for the victim.
We are relieved that the driver in this case was apprehended thanks to the vigilance and help provided by neighbors and community members. The reason many hit-and-run drivers literally get away with murder is because there were no witnesses to the incident or because no one came forward with information. This is crucial to apprehending hit-and-run suspects and bringing them to justice.
If you have a lost a loved in a hit-and-run crash, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship. An experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney will be able to guide them through a complex process and help them secure justice and fair compensation for their losses.
Source: https://www.sgvtribune.com/2018/06/13/suspect-in-rowland-heights-fatal-hit-and-run-identified/