Witnesses: Suspect in fatal San Jose collision ran without checking on victim
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU/BCN) - A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run crash in East San Jose Thursday afternoon, police said.
The crash happened at Story Road and South Jackson Avenue at 3:45 p.m.
A witness said a gold SUV ran into a dark-colored pickup truck and then struck a pedestrian crossing the street. The victim was pinned under the SUV.
Police said the suspect left the scene on foot.
The sound of the crash brought people out of nearby homes and businesses.
"I heard the noise and then I stand up and look out and saw the two cars turn around," said Tien Le, a witness.
Le said she and other workers at a nearby nail salon saw the suspect's light-colored Chevrolet Suburban and the dark Chevrolet Silverado truck spinning around and then stop at the intersection.
"We heard the hit, you know...very scary. And we feel afraid and we just step out and look at that and we see the guy under the car," said Tram Cole, a witness.
San Jose police said the man under the Suburban had been in the crosswalk with his bicycle and was pronounced dead.
Police said the driver of the Suburban had been going west on Story Road, hit the pickup truck in the intersection and then the bicyclist.
Witnesses said they saw the driver get out of the Suburban. Le said she saw a man "with no hair" get out of the vehicle and that he ran away. She said he never stopped to check on the victim.
Police said the other driver in the pickup truck was injured and taken to a hospital to be checked out.
This is San Jose's 31st fatal collision this year.
"I'm so sorry for the neighborhood and the family of the person who lost their life," said Juan Munoz, owner of nearby restaurant, Mariscos El Rincon. He said he often sees drivers speeding on StoryRoad and that one of his customers was hit by a vehicle last year in the same area.
The Santa Clara County Coroner's office says they have identified the victim, but are in the process of notifying next of kin.
There is a camera in the area of the accident, but it is unclear if it was recording at the time of the crash. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call 911.