Update: Arrest made in fatal hit-and-run, GoFundMe launched for family of child victim
Update posted March 17:
The boy killed in the crash was identified as 11-year-old José Gutiérrez.
– The Atascadero Police Department has arrested Zachary Bernal, 31, of Atascadero, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision that occurred on March 14 in the 10800 block of El Camino Real.
Investigators identified Bernal as the driver responsible for the collision, which resulted in the death of an 11-year-old boy. He has been charged with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and felony hit-and-run resulting in death or injury.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence related to the case.
Anyone with additional information, including witnesses or individuals with security camera footage from the area, is encouraged to contact the Atascadero Police Department Detective Bureau at (805) 470-3252. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact San Luis Obispo Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-STOP.
The boy killed in the crash was identified as 11-year-old José Gutiérrez, and his family is seeking assistance. Family and community members identified him on social media Saturday while requesting donations to help the Gutierrez Orozco family transport José’s body to Mexico.
“We are raising funds for our late son, who was injured in an accident yesterday afternoon,” Gabriela Gutiérrez said in a GoFundMe post on Saturday. “He will be transported to Mexico, which is the cost. Anything you would like to donate will be a huge help. Thank you! God will reward you!”
Community members in Atascadero have created a memorial at the site of the crash for the young victim.
Photo posted by Kim Patrick Noyes to Everything Atascadero Facebook group.
Original article posted March 15:
Child killed in hit-and-run while walking home from school in Atascadero
– A child walking home from school in Atascadero was hit and killed by a pickup truck, which then fled the scene, according to multiple reports.
The boy was on the sidewalk of El Camino Real across from La Costa Lane when a gray Dodge pickup swerved onto the sidewalk, struck the child, then drove off, reports say.
A portion of El Camino Real in Atascadero was closed Friday afternoon as police investigated the fatal hit-and-run.
A spokesperson for the City of Atascadero said police and fire personnel remained on scene shortly before 4 p.m. The road closure extended between El Bordo Avenue and The Knoll’s at Avenida Maria. Police asked the public to avoid the area.
In a report by KSBY, Atascadero Police Chief Daniel Suttles said the call reporting the incident came in shortly before 3 p.m. A witness told police the vehicle involved was a gray Dodge Ram. A search for the vehicle and driver was underway, with drones being used to assist in the search.
As of 5 p.m., Friday, KSBY reported that Suttles was unable to comment on the status of the search.
