Update: Hit-and-Run May Have Preceded Fiery, Fatal Crash Saturday

Gilroy Police released this information Monday about a fatal crash early Saturday on Highway 152: 


On Saturday at 2:23 am, Gilroy Police Officers responded to a report of a solo vehicle traffic collision in front of 1750 Hecker Pass Hwy. Upon their arrival, emergency personnel determined that a vehicle had collided with a tree and the solo occupant (driver) sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased by responding paramedics at the scene. The collision caused a fire underneath the vehicle, which was quickly extinguished by the responding Officers. The driver (deceased) was a 34 year old male and a resident of Santa Cruz, CA. 

Preliminary investigation indicates this vehicle may be associated with reports of a hit and run traffic collision with parked vehicles near First/Hanna Street, just prior to the report of the collision on Hecker Pass Hwy. 

The factors leading to the cause of the collision are currently under investigation. The investigation will determine what caused the collision and if alcohol or other intoxicants may have contributed to the collision. 

The investigation is currently being investigated by the Gilroy Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT). Anyone who has information regarding this incident is urged to contact Officer Rene Arbizu at (408) 846-0350. Parties wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at 1-800-782-7436 (1-800-78-Crime)