Driver reported crash roughly half an hour after pedestrian was struck on Morgan Street
December 31, 2025 | Santa Rosa, CA
A pedestrian in his 70s suffered critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Santa Rosa on Dec. 31.
The driver, 31-year-old Brigido Pena Villanueva of Greenfield, fled the scene but later surrendered to authorities, facing felony charges.
Brigido Pena Villanueva, 31, of Greenfield, faces felony hit-and-run charges after a pickup struck a pedestrian on College Avenue in Santa Rosa.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred around 7:13 p.m. at the intersection of Morgan Street and College Avenue.
Key details include:
- Victim: Man in his 70s crossing College Avenue in the eastern crosswalk.
- Vehicle: Blue 2019 Toyota Tacoma driven by Brigido Pena Villanueva.
- Incident Time: Evening hours on Dec. 31, 2025.
- Immediate Aftermath: The pedestrian was rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, and his condition is critical.
- Driver's Actions: Villanueva initially left the scene but contacted the Santa Rosa Police Department dispatch approximately 30 minutes later to report the incident.
Santa Rosa police arrested Villanueva on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in serious bodily injury. The investigation into the crash continues.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Incidents Persist in California?
Hit-and-run crashes represent a growing concern on California roads, often leaving victims without immediate aid. According to the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), these incidents claimed 337 lives in 2023, amid an overall decline in traffic fatalities to 4,061—a nearly 11% drop from prior years.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Total Traffic Fatalities (2023) |
4,061 |
California OTS |
Hit-and-Run Fatalities (2023) |
337 |
California OTS |
Pedestrian Fatalities (National, 2022) |
7,522 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Urban Pedestrian Crash Risk Factors |
Speeding, Distracted Driving |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
This table highlights the scale of the issue, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and accountability in pedestrian safety.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving hit-and-run accidents, securing independent analysis is crucial for victims' rights. National legal analysts provide guidance on navigating these complex situations.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “An attorney can also ensure that a hit-and-run driver is held accountable for reckless actions.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Preserve evidence quickly, as time is critical in hit-and-run investigations.
- Interview professional witnesses and review insurance coverage to build a strong case.
- Conduct background checks on the at-fault party to uncover patterns of behavior.
- Pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
“It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Pending investigation outcomes, the injured party may pursue a personal injury claim to address the profound effects on daily life, including family dynamics, employment, and financial stability.
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., maintains an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our rigorous standards ensure accurate, timely reporting, with a Corrections Policy guaranteeing review within 24 hours. For more on our Editorial Process, visit our site.
Interested in reaching audiences on traffic safety and legal news? Advertise with Newsline to connect with insurance providers, automotive professionals, and more.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).