Morris Turner arrested in DUI pedestrian crash on Sonoma Boulevard

Driver struck pedestrian north of Meadows Drive in Vallejo

December 14, 2025 | Vallejo, CA

A pedestrian lost their life in a tragic early morning incident in Vallejo, California, when struck by a vehicle on Sonoma Boulevard.

Authorities arrested the driver on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter.

What Happened in the Crash?

Morris Turner, 48, of American Canyon, was arrested after a pedestrian was fatally struck by his vehicle on Sonoma Boulevard north of Meadows Drive in Vallejo.

The collision took place around 1 a.m. on Sonoma Boulevard, north of Meadows Drive. Key details include:

• Date and Time: Early Sunday morning, Dec. 14, 2025.
• Location: Sonoma Boulevard, north of Meadows Drive, Vallejo, CA.
• Victim: An unidentified pedestrian who died at the scene.
• Driver: 48-year-old Morris Turner from American Canyon, who was hospitalized for blood sample collection before custody.
• Outcome: Driver arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

Details of the Investigation and Arrest

Vallejo police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal pedestrian accident. Turner was transported to a medical facility post-crash, where authorities obtained a blood sample to test for impairment. He faces charges related to the incident, highlighting the severe consequences of impaired driving.

This event marks the 13th traffic fatality in Vallejo for the year, underscoring ongoing road safety concerns in the area.

Vallejo Traffic Fatality Statistics

Pedestrian deaths remain a critical issue nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic crashes claimed thousands of lives in recent years. Below is a summary table of key pedestrian safety data:

These figures emphasize the preventable nature of many such tragedies, often linked to factors like alcohol impairment.

Why Do These Accidents Happen?

Common causes of pedestrian crashes include distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence. In urban areas like Vallejo, high-traffic boulevards increase risks, especially during nighttime hours when visibility is low.

Legal Insights

Newsline consulted national legal analysts for a perspective on motor vehicle crashes involving impairment.

“In cases such as this, separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline.

Key takeaways from analyst insights:

• Families may pursue wrongful death claims to cover medical, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
• Civil actions can hold negligent drivers accountable, even alongside criminal proceedings.
• Attorneys provide guidance to protect legal rights during grief.

“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.

“When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, a hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”

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