Police Arrest Driver in Fatal Hit-and-Run in San Mateo

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash in San Mateo on Saturday morning, police said Sunday.

Josue Lopez was driving a 1994 Chevrolet Camaro when he exited the K-Mart parking lot in the 1700 block of S. Delaware St. at about 11:30 a.m. Saturday, San Mateo Police Lt. Ted Gonzales said.

Lopez, who was allegedly speeding and driving recklessly when he left the parking lot, proceeded north of South Delaware Street.

Lopez then lost control of his car and hit a concrete trash can on the east sidwalk next to a SamTrans bus stop, Gonzales said.

The impact of the car hitting the trash can pushed the concrete trash can from its base and into a 67-year-old San Mateo man standing behind the garbage can, pushing the victim several feet.

When the vehicle came to rest, the victim was pinned between the concrete trash can and a tree that lines the east side of the sidewalk on South Delaware Street.

Lopez got out of his Camaro, briefly checked on the victim, and then fled in his vehicle north  on South Delaware, according to Gonzales.

The victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Numerous witnesses in the area provided police with a description of the suspect vehicle, partial license plate and description of the driver.

Police personnel were able to quickly follow up on the information from witnesses and located a vehicle matching that description in San Mateo.

Officers contacted Lopez, who was arrested without incident.

Witnesses positively identified the vehicle and suspect as being involved in the fatal hit and run accident, police said.

At the time of the accident, Lopez had a 5-year-old child in the backseat of his vehicle. The child and Lopez did not sustain any injuries.

There is no indication drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. Lopez has been booked in to San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run and child endangerment.

Police say witnesses played a very important role in solving this crime. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Police Department via below listed numbers.

• SMPD: (650) 522-7700
• Secret Witness Line: 650-522-7676
• Text Anonymously:650-262-3473
• Email Anonymously: sanmateo@tipnow.org