I recently posted a news story about how a pedestrian in a wheelchair was killed in Fresno after being hit by not one, but two cars who fled the seen. Fortunately, because it was a busy time, there were sufficient witnesses.
I lamented that stories like that rarely get a follow up…there are dozens of pedestrian deaths every year and Fresno, and most get less news coverage than a house fire (with no injuries or deaths). I’ve yet to see an article along the lines of “12 hit and run murderers still at large.”
This time, Fresno PD and the Bee have followed up with this short article letting us readers know what has progressed in the case.
Fresno Police have arrested 20-year-old Jonathan Jason Howard in connection with a hit-and-run accident that killed a man in a wheelchair Saturday.The victim was hit by two cars on Blackstone Avenue north of Sierra Avenue. Fresno Police detective Jason Musser was able to locate and identify the drivers of both vehicles based on witness reports. Police believed Howard was the driver of the first vehicle. He was arrested in Oakhurst on Wednesday and was booked into Fresno County Jail on suspicion of felony hit and run. The investigation is still ongoing and the driver of the second vehicle may also be charged, Fresno Police said.
That’s the entire article. Not exactly in depth reporting, but better than nothing. if we ever get an update on the trial and final sentencing, I’ll make a note of it.
Side note: A comment left predicted that the person driving would be an illegal with no license or registration. Based on the name, and only the name, that doesn’t appear to be the case. I’d put money on alcohol being involved.
I will be returning from Mexico tomorrow. Because of the holidays, I think next week will be picture based uploads, showing transportation infrastructure I’ve noticed over the past year.
It is true, we don't see the coverage we should on these accidents. Reminds me of Street Blog's carnage updates. Perhaps if a citizen volunteered to collect and maintain such a list to be published each week, a few local papers would allow them to be run.
You've got me thinking…