Petaluma, CA (March 28, 2025) – A man was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash overnight near Petaluma, and authorities are now searching for the driver who left the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Santa Rosa office.
Accident Details: The crash occurred sometime overnight along Petaluma Boulevard North, just north of Corona Road. The man was walking along the east side of the roadway when he was hit. CHP officers responded just before 7:30 a.m. Friday after receiving a report of an injured pedestrian. By the time they arrived, the victim had died at the scene. Investigators believe the crash occurred hours earlier but the body wasn’t discovered until after sunrise.
The name of the victim has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin by the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office.
Legal Considerations: Fleeing the scene of a fatal crash is a felony under California law, and officers will treat this as both a criminal and traffic investigation. Authorities will likely examine local surveillance footage, vehicle debris, and roadway evidence to identify the vehicle and driver responsible.
If the driver is located, the victim’s family may be able to bring a wrongful death claim in addition to any criminal charges the state pursues.
Ongoing Investigation: CHP officers remained at the scene through Friday afternoon. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage, or has other information is urged to contact CHP’s Santa Rosa office at 707-806-5600.
I offer my sincere condolences to the loved ones of the man whose life was lost in this tragic and senseless crash.
Source: The Press Democrat