Bakersfield, California (October 30, 2025) — Authorities have identified the man killed in a hit-and-run collision on Thursday morning on O Street as 58-year-old Darryl Ray Mick of Bakersfield. According to the Bakersfield Police Department, Mick was using a wheelchair when he was struck by a speeding vehicle that fled the scene.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 6:25 a.m. in the 3600 block of O Street, a two-lane roadway with a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Investigators said Mick was crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk when a vehicle traveling northbound at a high rate of speed hit him. Officers and emergency personnel arrived within minutes, but Mick had sustained catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver did not stop and remains at large. Police have not released a description of the vehicle or suspect, and the case remains under active investigation by the Bakersfield Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit.
Investigation: Detectives are reviewing area surveillance footage and witness statements to identify the hit-and-run driver. They will also analyze debris recovered at the scene for possible vehicle matches. Investigators noted that the driver’s speed was a likely contributing factor, as the impact occurred in a 25 mph residential zone. Authorities will likely assess the lighting conditions at the time of the crash, the presence of obstructions (such as overgrown foliage or poorly placed signage), and whether the time of day or weather conditions exacerbated the danger.
California drivers involved in crashes that result in injury or death are legally required to stop, render aid, and notify law enforcement. Fleeing the scene of a fatal collision is a felony offense that can result in significant prison time upon conviction.
Legal Considerations: From a civil perspective, hit-and-run crashes present significant challenges for victims’ families, as identifying the responsible driver is critical to securing justice. When pedestrians using wheelchairs are struck by vehicles, courts and investigators often examine whether roadway design or visibility issues contributed to the incident. These examinations usually raise questions about municipal liability, arguing that poor infrastructure maintenance or negligent planning created a foreseeable hazard for vulnerable roadway users. The focus shifts not only to the reckless actions of the hit-and-run driver but also to potential third-party liability from government entities responsible for ensuring a safe and accessible public right-of-way.
If and when the driver is located, the Mick family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, emotional loss, and other damages. Even in cases where the driver is not immediately found, victims’ families may seek compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or civil recovery funds.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Darryl Ray Mick as they mourn this tragic and senseless loss.