Further Investigation Reveals True Driver, Leads to Additional Arrest in Fatal Collision Case 

On May 12, 2026, Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) Accident Investigators continued following up on the fatal traffic collision that occurred on the previous day. On May 11, at approximately 2:47 p.m., SRPD responded to a fatal hit-and-run collision at W. College Avenue and Clover Drive involving a man in a wheelchair. The suspect vehicle, a lifted white GMC pickup, struck the victim in a marked crosswalk after proceeding through a green light and then fled the scene. The victim was pronounced deceased upon first responders’ arrival. Through witness accounts, security footage, and license plate reader technology, investigators identified the vehicle and its occupants. Before officers arrived at the registered address, a family member reported the driver, Isreal Ramirez Sanchez, was waiting to surrender. Officers responded to the relative’s home and detained both Ramirez Sanchez and the other occupant of the vehicle, Fatima Corona Bautista. Ramirez Sanchez, who had confessed to driving the truck at the time of the collision, was arrested and booked into jail for hit-and-run collision causing death. 

Investigators continued their investigation after Ramirez Sanchez’s arrest. Part of this continued investigation included speaking with additional witnesses and reviewing camera footage not available to investigators at the time of the initial investigation.  

Based on witness statements and newly obtained evidence, investigators determined that Israel Ramirez Sanchez was the passenger in the vehicle that struck the deceased victim, not the driver as previously believed. Investigators Corona Bautista, as the driver of the vehicle. 

During the evening hours of May 12, SRPD Accident Investigators met with both Corona Bautista and Ramirez Sanchez. Based on the evidence and totality of the circumstances, Corona Bautista was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Jail for violation of 20001(b)(2) CVC – Felony Hit and Run Causing Death. 

Israel Ramirez Sanchez was also arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Jail for an additional charge of 32 PC – Accessory. 

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Sawyer at Brendensawyer@srcity.org. 

Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634 or pseffens@srcity.org. 

**Original Message** 

Arrest Made in Fatal Hit-and-Run Collision 

On May 11, 2026, at approximately 2:47 p.m., the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) Communications Center received numerous 911 calls about a vehicle versus pedestrian collision at the intersection of W. College Avenue and Clover Drive. The witnesses advised Dispatch the suspect vehicle, a lifted white pick-up truck, fled the area following the collision. 

SRPD officers and members of the Santa Rosa Fire Department rushed to the scene; however, the pedestrian was pronounced deceased immediately after first responders arrived on scene. It is believed the pedestrian was killed upon impact; however, an autopsy will be conducted later to confirm the cause and time of death. 

The intersection was closed in all directions at around 2:52 p.m., as SRPD Accident Investigators and Field and Evidence Technicians began their investigation. Based on witness statements and area security camera footage, investigators learned that the driver of a lifted, white GMC pick-up truck was driving east on W. College Avenue. The vehicle stopped at the intersection with Clover Drive for a red light. An adult man in a wheelchair began crossing the intersection south from Clover Drive in the west crosswalk. He was still attempting to cross the street when the light for eastbound traffic turned green.  

The driver of the truck began to proceed through the intersection at a slow rate of speed, colliding with the victim in the crosswalk. Two occupants of the truck, a male and female, exited the vehicle and approached the victim before getting back into the vehicle and leaving the area, east on W. College Avenue.  

Investigators utilized area security video footage to determine the make and model of the vehicle. With that information, Crime Analysts with the SRPD Real Time Crime Center were able to utilize automated license plate reader information to identify the suspect vehicle. As investigators were enroute to the registered address of the vehicle, a family member contacted SRPD and advised the driver of the truck was at their residence, waiting to surrender to police. Officers responded to the relative’s home and contacted adult male and female believed to have been in the truck at the time of the collision. Both were detained without incident. 

Upon further investigation, they learned that the male, Isreal Ramirez Sanchez, a 21-year-old resident of Santa Rosa, was driving the truck at the time of the collision and an adult female was seated in the front passenger seat. Investigators are still working to determine if drugs or alcohol contributed to this collision. 

Ramirez Sanchez was arrested and booked into jail for the following offenses: 

• 20001(b)(2) CVC – Felony hit and run resulting in death. 

Based on the initial investigation, the female passenger of the truck was not arrested. Her name or other identifying information will not be released. 

The name, age, and city of residence of the victim in this collision may be released at a later date upon confirmation from the Sonoma County Coroner’s Office and next of kin notification. 

W. College Avenue remained closed until approximately 8:15 PM. 

This is still an ongoing investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information related to this investigation, including video footage, is encouraged to contact SRPD Accident Investigator Brenden Sawyer at bredensawyer@srcity.org.  

The Santa Rosa Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. This tragic incident is a somber reminder of the importance of roadway safety and awareness, especially when pedestrians are present. We urge all drivers to remain vigilant, obey traffic signals, and exercise caution at intersections to help prevent future tragedies and protect everyone who shares our roadways. 

Santa Rosa Police Department case number 26-4898. 

Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634 or pseffens@srcity.org.