Driver calls police hours after leaving scene of fatal collision near Oakdale, CHP says
The driver of a Chevrolet pickup that fatally struck a 61-year-old man on Highway 120 just outside of Oakdale called police a few hours later to report hitting something, authorities said.
At about 6:45 p.m., John Hughes of Newman was walking north on the side of the highway near Valley Home Road when he was hit by the Chevrolet traveling the same direction, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Ming Hsu.
He said Hughes was walking near the white fog line on the east side of the road and the Chevrolet was traveling about 45 mph.
After striking Hughes, the Chevrolet continued north and then to the left where the highway curves to the west, he said.
First-responders started CPR on Hughes and he was transported to Oak Valley Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Hsu said that at about 9:30 p.m., 28-year-old Matthew Keith called CHP dispatch and reported hitting an “unknown object.”
“After hearing about the incident on social media, he decided to call police,” Hsu said. “Officers and a supervisor went to his house in Oakdale and determined he was a party in the collision and determined he was under the influence.”
Keith was arrested on suspicion of DUI causing injury or death. Hsu said more investigation is needed to determine whether he will also face charges of hit-and-run.
Hughes’ sister lives in Oakdale and told authorities her brother often walked in the area.
This story was originally published February 10, 2020 at 11:40 AM.
