Oakland, California (December 30, 2025) — An Oakland family is searching for answers after a hit-and-run crash at a busy East Oakland intersection left Juanetta Jones critically injured and fighting for her life. The collision occurred in the early morning hours when an SUV struck the vehicle Jones was riding in and then fled the scene, according to family members and the Oakland Police Department.
Incident Details: The crash happened around 1:00 a.m. at the intersection of 85th Avenue and International Boulevard. Family members said Jones was a passenger in a silver car driven by her sister when the vehicle entered the intersection on a green light. Surveillance video reviewed by the family shows the car proceeding lawfully through the intersection before being violently struck by an SUV.
Jones sustained catastrophic injuries, including a broken neck and paralysis below her shoulders, and remains hospitalized in critical condition, unable to speak, on a ventilator. Her daughter, Cenea Cummings, and family described watching footage of the SUV lingering at the scene before fleeing as emotionally devastating.
The Oakland Police Department confirmed the incident is being investigated as a hit-and-run. Authorities have not publicly identified the driver, though the family says they have been told police know who is responsible but have not yet made an arrest.
Investigation: The Oakland Police Department is continuing its investigation into the hit-and-run collision. In serious intersection crashes involving fleeing drivers, investigators typically focus on traffic signal timing, vehicle speeds, and the precise movements of each vehicle leading up to impact. Surveillance footage is often a critical piece of evidence in these cases, particularly when it captures the moment of collision and the suspect vehicle leaving the scene.
Investigators are expected to closely analyze the available video to determine how the SUV entered the intersection and whether it failed to yield to oncoming cross traffic. Physical evidence from the scene, including debris patterns, vehicle damage, and the point of impact, will also be used to reconstruct the crash sequence.
Because the crash occurred overnight, investigators may assess lighting, visibility, and factors such as speed and distraction. In hit-and-run cases, they review surveillance footage, license plate data, and witness accounts to track the vehicle after it leaves the intersection. The brief pause before the SUV fled is critical for determining the driver’s awareness and intent.
Legal Considerations: Hit-and-run crashes resulting in catastrophic injuries carry serious criminal consequences under California law. Drivers involved in collisions causing injury are legally required to stop, render aid, and provide identifying information. Fleeing the scene can significantly worsen a victim’s outcome and expose the driver to enhanced criminal penalties.
From a civil perspective, cases like this often involve multiple layers of accountability. If the SUV driver is identified, Jones may pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, long-term care, rehabilitation, and loss of quality of life. Given the severity of Jones’s injuries, future care needs could be extensive and lifelong.
I extend my sincere wishes for strength and healing to Juanetta Jones and her family as they navigate this devastating situation and continue their search for answers.
Source: KTVU Fox 2 News