Suspect arrested in Orinda hit-and-run that seriously injures man

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Aug 18, 2008 | by Robert Salonga

ORINDA -- A motorist who struck a pedestrian Friday and then ran away from the scene has turned himself in to police.

Juan Vasquez, 20, of Richmond, was booked into West County Jail in Richmond on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and is being held on $50,000 bail.

Vasquez surrendered himself to Orinda police Friday evening at urging of the registered owner of the Toyota 4Runner he had been driving, said Orinda police Sgt. Mohammad Djajakusuma.

The hit-and-run was reported about 8:15 a.m. on Valley View Drive near Don Gabriel Way after witnesses said the Toyota struck a 67- year-old Orinda man who had been walking with his wife. Afterward, the driver was seen running away.

Djajakusuma said the victim suffered several broken bones and a punctured lung and is recovering at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek.

The owner of the Toyota, a Richmond resident, had sold the car to Vasquez but still had the title in his name, Djajakusuma said. After investigators approached the owner, he convinced Vasquez to report himself to police.

Robert Salonga covers public safety. Reach him at 925-943-8013 or rsalonga@bayareanewsgroup.com.