According to Santa Rosa police, a blue 2019 Toyota Tacoma that exited highway 101 was traveling eastbound on College Avenue when it struck a man walking in a crosswalk
Santa Rosa, CA – A pedestrian was hurt in a hit-and-run collision at an intersection in Santa Rosa on Wednesday evening, the Santa Rosa Police Department reported.
The collision occurred at around 7:13 p.m. December 31, at the Morgan Street and College Avenue intersection.
According to Santa Rosa police, a blue 2019 Toyota Tacoma that exited highway 101 was traveling eastbound on College Avenue when it struck a man walking in a crosswalk.
The Tacoma failed to stop after hitting the pedestrian and continued heading east. Police found the vehicle's front bumper and license plate at the scene.
The victim was rushed to a hospital for treatment of critical injuries.
Shortly after, a driver called police and reported that they had hit the pedestrian. Police located the driver, identified as Brigido Pena Villanueva, 31, of Greenfield, in the area between Highway 116 and Highway 101 in Cotati.
Villanueva was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run causing serious bodily injury. He was booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility.
The Santa Rosa Police Department is investigating the accident.
California continues to experience a high number of vehicle collisions each year. According to the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were over 2,000 fatal crashes and nearly 300,000 total collisions reported statewide in 2024. Rear-end and multi-vehicle collisions on major freeways like SR-22 contribute significantly to injuries and hospitalizations.
Drivers are reminded to maintain safe following distances, reduce speeds during low-light conditions, and avoid distractions while driving. Early-morning commuters should stay alert on busy freeways and always wear seatbelts to reduce the risk of serious injuries in multi-vehicle collisions.
Have you been injured in a car accident? Seek legal help from a car accident lawyer
When you get involved in a motor vehicle accident, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. At Pacific Attorney Group, our car accident lawyers will help you navigate the entire legal process smoothly, build a strong case, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Santa Rosa car accident lawyer.