Vallejo man charged in injury hit and run DUI at Walnut Creek Farmers Market

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (June 6, 2024) — A Vallejo man faces multiple charges stemming from a collision that injured two people at the Walnut Creek Farmers Market.

The incident occurred around 5:17 am on Sunday, June 2. It happened on Locust Street in Walnut Creek, between Cole and Lacassie Avenues. This section of the street is typically closed on Sundays for a Farmers Market. While vendors got set up, 33-year-old Jose Manuel Chavez struck two female victims with his vehicle. The collision caused serious injuries to both women. Afterwards, Chavez fled the scene.

Walnut Creek Police responded quickly to emergency calls and located Chavez’s damaged vehicle entering I-680 at Lawrence Way. Officers pulled him over on Buskirk Avenue, near the Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART station. They arrested him shortly after 5:20 am.

On June 5, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Chavez in Superior Court. He faces three felony charges, some with enhancements, and one misdemeanor. The complaint includes two felony counts of driving under the influence (DUI) causing injury to both victims [VC 23153(a)]. These charges include enhancements related to injuries sustained by both victims. The DA also charged Chavez with felony hit and run resulting in serious injury [VC 20001(b)(2)] and a misdemeanor for driving without a valid license after a DUI offense [VC 14601.5(a)].

Chavez’ arrainment happens today at 1:35 pm in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. He remains in custody at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond.