Why Did Deputy's Patrol Car Fatally Strike Pedestrian?

Authorities have still not explained why a patrol car driven by an Alameda County Sheriff's deputy fatally struck a male pedestrian before dawn on Friday, April 19, but they have excluded some possibilities.

"We have ruled out any impairment or intoxication on the part of the Deputy," said Lt. Christopher Sherry, commander of the Castro Valley office of the California Highway Patrol.

The pedestrian’s female companion was also hospitalized for head injuries as a result of the collision that occurred at about 4:30 a.m. at Mission Boulevard and Cherry Way in unincorporated Hayward.

"The investigation has not shown any distractions (from) computer, phone or radio," Sherry told Patch via email.

Sherry said, based on statements and a video of the incident obtained from a local business, investigators are "confident" that the pedestrians were not in the crosswalk when the collision occurred.

Sherry skid marks at the scene are being reviewed to determine if they are from stopping or swerving.

CHP has interviewed the deputy but details of the statement are "not releaseable" according to the CHP commander.

"This investigation is far from completion and ultimately will be provided to the District Attorney's office for review and then completion," Sherry said.