Oakland authorities have revealed that the 51-year-old bicyclist found dead on June 21 in East Oakland was actually struck by two vehicles that fled the scene. The victim has been identified as James Brown, although his address remains unknown. Initially, it was reported that Brown had been hit by a single vehicle that fled, but a thorough investigation, including a comprehensive review of video surveillance footage in the area, has determined that he was first struck at approximately 11:56 p.m. on June 20 by a speeding silver or white early 2000s BMW traveling northbound on 105th Avenue. The driver of the BMW did not stop and continued driving.
Tragically, as Brown lay in the roadway, he was struck for a second time just after midnight on June 21 by a silver Saturn sedan traveling southbound on 105th Avenue. The male driver briefly stopped, removed part of Brown’s damaged bicycle from underneath the vehicle, and then fled the scene. The second vehicle involved in the incident was later recovered in the vicinity. However, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed in connection with Brown’s death.
The Oakland Police Department, in collaboration with Crime Stoppers of Oakland, is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information leading to the apprehension of the drivers responsible for striking Brown. Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact police traffic investigators at 510-777-8570 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.
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Did you know that hit-and-run accidents involving bicycles are more common than you might think? According to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately 65% of fatal hit-and-run crashes involve pedestrians or bicyclists. This statistic highlights the need for increased awareness and stricter penalties for those who flee the scene of such accidents.