Chico, CA (January 29, 2024) A Chico, California, intersection was the scene of a violent accident on Saturday morning, January 27th. A drunk driver came through the intersection of West Eighth Street and Main Street and hit a pedestrian. The horrible accident occurred right around 2:00 a.m., the Chico Police Department said.
Emergency crews hurried to the scene and found the pedestrian lying in the middle of the intersection with life-threatening injuries, according to authorities. Paramedics rushed to save the pedestrian’s life as officers talked to the driver, who remained at the scene. Though the driver, identified as Vitaly Smith, cooperated with authorities, officers noticed he seemed to be under the influence. After failing a sobriety test, Smith was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, officers reported.
The pedestrian, whose identity has not been released, was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. They were clinging to life as they arrived to receive treatment.
The Chico Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team is leading the investigation into this accident and have asked that anyone with information contact the police.
Have you or a loved one been injured in this accident? Our team specializes in drunk driving accidents and we are here to help! You can reach us 24/7 at (866) 945-4286 or visit our online contact form at Accident News Now.
We at Accident News Now believe that we all need to work harder to make our communities safer for everyone, especially pedestrians. An easy way to start is by not getting behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. We extend heartfelt well wishes to the pedestrian who was injured in this awful collision in a Chico neighborhood.
