DUI Hit-and-Run Injures Three Pedestrians in Chico

Three Pedestrians Injured in Suspected DUI Hit-and-Run in Chico; Investigation Ongoing

Incident Overview

Three pedestrians suffered moderate to major injuries after a suspected DUI hit-and-run crash in Chico early Saturday morning, November 1, 2025. According to preliminary information from the Chico Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 1:52 a.m. to the 700 block of West 2nd Avenue following reports that a vehicle struck multiple pedestrians and fled the scene. First responders transported the injured individuals to a local hospital for treatment. Police later located the suspected driver in the vicinity of the crash. The individual, identified by authorities as 21-year-old Kaijuan J. of Fairfield, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a collision involving injuries. The investigation remains active, and further details may be released by law enforcement as they become available.

What Authorities Have Reported So Far

- Time and location: Around 1:52 a.m., 700 block of West 2nd Avenue in Chico
- Parties involved: Three pedestrians injured; one suspected driver detained
- Arrest: A 21-year-old Fairfield man, identified as Kaijuan J., was arrested on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run
- Status: Investigation ongoing; police are reviewing evidence and witness statements

Late-night hours are a high-risk window for impaired driving collisions, particularly in mixed residential and commercial corridors where pedestrian activity can remain steady into the early morning. While the full cause of this incident is still under investigation, suspected DUI and the act of leaving the scene significantly heighten the legal and safety implications involved.

Understanding DUI and Hit-and-Run Liability in California

California law imposes strict duties on drivers who are involved in collisions, especially those causing injuries:

- DUI causing injury: Vehicle Code section 23153 makes it a crime to drive under the influence and cause injury. A conviction can result in significant criminal penalties, including jail time, fines, license restrictions, and mandated treatment programs.
- Hit-and-run involving injury: Vehicle Code section 20001 requires drivers involved in injury collisions to stop, render aid, and exchange information. Fleeing can result in felony charges.
- Civil liability: Independently of any criminal case, injured victims may bring civil claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In DUI cases, punitive damages may be available in certain circumstances where conduct demonstrates conscious disregard for the safety of others.

Pedestrian Safety and Right-of-Way

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. California law requires drivers to exercise due care, yield to pedestrians lawfully within crosswalks (marked or unmarked at intersections), and adjust speed for conditions. Even when a pedestrian may not be in a marked crosswalk, drivers still have a duty to avoid collisions where reasonably possible. Impairment greatly reduces reaction time, depth perception, and situational awareness, increasing the likelihood and severity of injuries.

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Our thoughts are with the pedestrian injured in this senseless DUI hit-and-run accident. Incidents like this highlight the devastating consequences of impaired and reckless driving, as well as the importance of accountability on our roads. No one should have to suffer because of another driver’s negligent or criminal actions.

At Avian Law Group, we are dedicated to standing up for victims of DUI and hit-and-run crashes, helping them pursue justice and the compensation they deserve. If you or someone you love has been injured by an impaired or fleeing driver, contact our experienced legal team today for a free consultation and trusted guidance through the recovery process.