Wheelchair-Bound Man Hit By Car, Dies

A 72-year-old man in a wheelchair who was struck by a vehicle Saturday afternoon died from his injuries Monday, police said today.

Martinez police said the man was in critical condition after officers responded to a collision reported at 4:12 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Alhambra Avenue and Virginia Hills Drive.

The victim, who was found lying in the road, was taken to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, according to police. The driver fled the scene, police said.

Martinez police Cpl. Mike Estanol said the man’s family decided not to continue with life support on Monday. The man’s name is not yet being released because all of his next of kin has not been notified of his death.

Estanol said the driver who allegedly hit him, identified as Irene Wong, 76, cooperated with police when she was found and arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run Saturday.

Intoxication did not appear to be a factor in the collision.

Because the man was in her blind spot, Wong said she did not realize she hit someone, Estanol said. Estanol said witness accounts have supported Wong’s account.

Wong has since been released by police.

Estanol said the case is being sent to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review.

--Bay City News