SJPD seeks hit-and-run driver who picked up bumper after fatal crash

(KRON) -- The San Jose Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying the driver and vehicle suspected in a hit-and-run collision last month that killed a pedestrian. The crash marked San Jose's first fatal collision, first traffic death and first pedestrian death of the year, according to SJPD. SJPD said officers responded on Jan. 25 in the area of South Bascom Avenue and Borello Drive to investigate a welfare check on an injured person. Police soon learned a man was crossing the roadway when he was struck by a vehicle between 5:45 p.m. and 6:05 p.m. Witnesses described it as "a possibly dark colored sedan with an adult male driver." Police said the suspect fled the area before officers arrived at the scene. The pedestrian was taken to a nearby hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries. Their identity has not yet been released. SJPD confirmed the driver was described as a man between 30 to 40 years old with a beard. He was reportedly last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt with yellow lettering which police believe to be either “SJSU” or “SDU”. Investigators said "the suspect driver briefly approached witnesses on scene before picking up what was believed to be the bumper of his vehicle and fleeing the scene in an unknown direction." Anyone with information tied to incident, or who may have been driving in the area with a Tesla or other vehicle with a dash camera, is strongly urged to contact Detective DelliCarpini #4103 of the SJPD Traffic Investigation Unit at 408-537-1421 or email [email protected].