Authorities still identifying victim in Friday night
accident
An accident that killed a male pedestrian Friday night is still under investigation, according to the California Highway Patrol, and the man had not been positively identified by presstime Monday.
The 9:30pm accident occurred on southbound Hwy. 101 just south of Metcalf Road. Milario Velasquez, 28, of Salem, Oregon, was driving a Geo with Roberto Hernandez, 32, of Morgan Hill as a passenger. According to CHP Public Information Officer Chris Armstrong, Velasquez said he didn’t realize the carpool lane ended and was driving on the left shoulder near the median.
Apparently, Armstrong said, the unidentified man was struck while standing on the left median dividing the north and southbound lanes as he was preparing to cross the highway on foot.
The male pedestrian was hit by Velasquez’s car, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“It is definitely dangerous to be walking or trying to cross a major highway,” said Armstrong. “It is also against the law, and there is a good reason for that.”
Armstrong said alcohol was not a factor in the accident. There were no charges filed at the time against Velasquez.
“This is a hot topic around here right now, and we hope to wrap up the investigation shortly,” he said.
Traffic was slowed for several hours Friday night as officers investigated the accident. When there is a fatality, officers cannot quickly clear the roadway as they are required to conduct a thorough investigation.
Marilyn Dubil covers crime for The Times. She can be reached at 779-4106 or md****@*************es.com.
