Modesto police investigating what man was doing before being run over by SUV
Modesto Police are investigating what a 40-year-old man was doing before he was run over by an SUV in downtown Modesto last week.
Danny Williams was hit Oct. 12 on I Street between Seventh and Eighth streets at about 5:44 a.m.
Traffic Sgt. Dan Starr said investigators believe Williams was either crouched or lying in the roadway when he was hit. He was dragged some distance and became pinned under the vehicle. The SUV had to be lifted off of Williams before he could be taken to a hospital, where he later died.
The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Williams’ cousin Justice Petterway said family went to the scene and spoke to a man who said Williams had been assaulted prior to the collision.
Starr said officers also spoke to the man and at this point have not found evidence to substantiate an assault. He said they continue to investigate and are looking for witnesses who either saw the collision or saw Williams in the time leading up to it.
Petterway said Williams, originally from Atwater, was homeless but he stayed in contact with his family, particularity his mother who would bring him food.
Petterway said Williams was a client of Telecare Corp., which offers rehabilitation services for people with mental illness. She said he was working toward finding housing.
“He was very kind, he was a loving person, he didn’t deserve this at all,” Petterway said. “I don’t want people to brush it off like he’s just another homeless Black man.”
She hopes that any witnesses will come forward to help investigators piece together the last moments of her cousin’s life.
Anyone with information about the collision or anything leading up to it is asked to contact Officer Jorge Contreras at contrerasj@modestopd.com or (209) 572-9592.
Petterway set up a Go Fund Me to help pay for Williams’ funeral. To donate click here.
