Antioch Hit-and-Run: 64-Year-Old Pedestrian Dies

Antioch Fatal Hit-and-Run: 64-Year-Old Pedestrian Dies After Collision at A Street and W. 18th Street; Suspect Arrested

Overview

A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle in Antioch on Wednesday evening, November 19, 2025. Antioch police arrested a suspect on suspicion of felony hit-and-run following the collision at the intersection of A Street and W. 18th Street. The 64-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries on Friday at a local hospital. Authorities continue to investigate, and the victim’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of relatives.

What Police Have Reported So Far

- Time and location: The collision occurred around 6:15 p.m. at A Street and W. 18th Street.
- Immediate response: Capt. Matthew Koch stated that responding officers found the man in the roadway and provided care until Contra Costa County Fire Protection District personnel arrived and transported him by ambulance.
- Driver fled the scene: The vehicle involved left before officers arrived.
- Witness assistance: Witnesses provided a vehicle description and license plate information, which helped police locate the vehicle in the 4400 block of Deerfield Drive.
- Arrest: Officers later located the suspected driver and took him into custody. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. As of Friday afternoon, his name was not listed in jail records.
- Early indicators: Investigators do not believe alcohol or speeding were factors in the collision, though the investigation is ongoing.

Community Safety and Investigation Updates

Fatal pedestrian crashes profoundly affect families and communities. While early reports indicate alcohol and speeding may not have been factors, a comprehensive investigation typically examines:

- Visibility and lighting conditions at the time of the crash
- Crosswalk markings, signal timing, and traffic-control devices
- Driver distraction, impairment by substances not initially apparent, or fatigue
- Vehicle condition and potential defects
- Data from nearby businesses’ and residences’ surveillance cameras (including doorbell cameras)
- Event data recorders (vehicle “black box”), if available
- Cell phone records, when lawfully obtained
- Roadway design, signage placement, and potential dangerous conditions on public property

These elements help determine how and why a collision occurred and can identify all potentially responsible parties.

Hit-and-Run in California: Legal Context

In California, leaving the scene of a collision that results in injury or death is a serious crime. A felony hit-and-run charge generally falls under Vehicle Code section 20001. A criminal case focuses on punishment and public safety. Families should also know they may pursue a separate civil claim seeking accountability and compensation for their losses, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed or result in a conviction.

Wrongful Death and Survival Claims

When a crash results in a fatality, California law recognizes two distinct civil avenues:

- Wrongful death claim: Brought by eligible family members (such as a spouse, registered domestic partner, children, or other dependents) for losses like funeral expenses, financial support the decedent would have provided, and the loss of love, companionship, and guidance.
- Survival action: Brought on behalf of the decedent’s estate to recover losses the decedent sustained between injury and death, such as medical expenses. In certain egregious cases, punitive damages may be available through a survival action, though not typically in a wrongful death claim.

Time Limits (Statutes of Limitations)

- General wrongful death: In many cases, the deadline to file is two years from the date of death.
- Claims involving public entities: If a dangerous roadway condition or public-entity negligence is alleged, a government claim typically must be filed within six months, with additional deadlines that follow.
- Insurance claims: Policy-specific deadlines can be shorter, and prompt notice is important, especially for uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims.

Tragedies like this fatal hit-and-run in Antioch serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly a family’s life can be altered. While law enforcement continues piecing together the facts, the victim’s loved ones are left grappling with profound grief, unanswered questions, and a long road toward healing. A full and transparent investigation is essential—not only to ensure accountability, but also to uncover every contributing factor that may have played a role in this preventable loss.

At Avian Law Group, we stand with families affected by catastrophic collisions and hit-and-run crashes. Our team is committed to pursuing truth, protecting victims’ rights, and guiding families through the complex legal process with care, dignity, and relentless advocacy. Whether the path forward involves a wrongful death claim, a survival action, or an investigation into dangerous conditions on public property, we work to ensure that every responsible party is identified and held accountable.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a serious collision, our attorneys are available 24/7 to provide guidance and help you understand your options. No family should have to navigate this journey alone—we are here to help you every step of the way.