Fremont, California (February 10, 2026) — A 37-year-old man died Tuesday night after being struck by two vehicles on Stevenson Boulevard in Fremont, and police are now searching for the second driver who fled the scene.
Authorities identified the victim as Jesse Michael Katches. He was transported to a nearby hospital after the collision but was later pronounced deceased.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:32 p.m. on Stevenson Boulevard between Sundale Drive and Blacow Road. According to the Fremont Police Department, officers responded to reports of a pedestrian struck in the westbound lanes.
Incident Details: Investigators say Katches was attempting to cross Stevenson Boulevard midblock amid heavy westbound traffic. As he entered the number two lane of westbound Stevenson Boulevard, he was struck by a Toyota Scion traveling in that direction.
The impact caused Katches to fall into the number one westbound lane. The driver of the Toyota Scion pulled over to the shoulder and remained at the scene, cooperating with investigators.
Shortly after the initial collision, a second vehicle traveling westbound struck Katches, who was lying in the roadway. That driver did not stop and continued westbound on Stevenson Boulevard. Police have not released a description of the second vehicle and are actively seeking information about the driver.
Fremont police, fire personnel, and emergency medics provided medical aid at the scene before transporting Katches to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigation: The Fremont Police Department is leading the investigation into the fatal crash and the subsequent hit-and-run. In cases involving multiple impacts, investigators must carefully reconstruct the sequence of events to determine causation and potential liability.
Crash reconstruction specialists will likely analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, roadway debris, and lighting conditions. Investigators will also examine traffic patterns, speed estimates, and whether either driver had sufficient time or distance to react after the pedestrian entered the roadway. Because the second driver fled, police may review nearby surveillance footage, traffic camera footage, and license plate reader data. Witness statements will also be critical in identifying the vehicle involved in the second impact.
Midblock pedestrian crossings, especially on multi-lane arterial roadways with heavy traffic, present significant visibility and reaction-time challenges. However, drivers still have a duty to maintain a proper lookout and exercise reasonable care, particularly at night or in high-traffic corridors.
Legal Considerations: When a pedestrian is struck by more than one vehicle, determining legal responsibility can become complex. Liability may depend on whether the initial impact was survivable and whether the second collision substantially contributed to the fatal outcome. Hit-and-run cases in California have severe legal consequences, especially with fatal injuries, as law enforcement dedicates significant resources to identify fleeing drivers.
In addition to potential criminal charges for leaving the scene of a fatal collision, the Katches family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages resulting from the death.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Jesse Michael Katches during this difficult time.