Police often rely on tips from public after fatal car accidents

In spite of the advances in technology that can aid police departments in solving crimes, it often falls to information provided by the public to determine who may be held responsible. In the event of serious — or even fatal — car accidents, California officials often request tips from residents to find a driver who may have fled the scene of an accident. Several weeks after a hit-and-run crash that killed one victim, the police received a tip that helped bring the case to a resolution.

According to an update provided by police, the driver believed to be responsible for a crash that killed a beloved crossing guard has finally been located. The wreck occurred in October after a driver failed to stop at a red light. The motorist struck the victim who was riding his scooter at the time. The driver of the pick-up purportedly failed to render aid to the 48-year-old victim and fled the scene.

When emergency officials arrived, the victim was in cardiac arrest and was unable to survive his traumatic injuries. Police reviewed video footage along the routes surrounding the wreck but were unable to positively identify the motorist. A tip from a resident provided enough information that allowed police to locate both the driver and the truck believed to have been involved.

The 82-year-old driver has since been arrested on suspicions of causing a felony hit-and-run. He was permitted to post bail and is awaiting further legal proceedings in this matter. The victim had been employed by the local school district where he served as a crossing guard for several years. California residents who lose a loved one due to car accidents caused by the negligence of others may sustain significant monetary damages. They may pursue recovery of those documented losses through the filing of a civil lawsuit against the parties deemed liable for these senseless tragedies.