Fatal Hit and Run on Winding Way Leads to Arrest

On March 22, 2012, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Paul Pellandini, a 57 year old, and a friend, William Collins, a 54 year old from Carmichael had been visiting each other at Pellandini's residence on Winding Way just west of Carnegie Way.  Pellandini lives on the north side of the Winding Way.  After their visit, Pellandini walked Collins outside to his vehicle to say good-bye.  As the two men were talking next to Collin's vehicle, a vehicle traveling westbound on Winding Way traveled onto the shoulder where the men were standing and struck both of them.  Both men were thrown into the air and came to rest on the right shoulder.  Pellandini's wife heard the sound of the impact and came outside and found her husband on the ground and immediately called 911.  Pellandini succumbed to his injuries at the scene.  Collins was transported to Mercy San Juan Medical Hospital with major injuries but not life threatening.

CHP Investigators received numerous tips from Sacramento Crime Alert and information from witness/witnesses throughout this investigation.  They were able to identify the driver as Steve Hernandez, a 38 year old from Sacramento, however; investigators were still in the process of locating the whereabouts of Hernandez.

On July 29, 2012, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Sacramento Police Department Officers were investigating a stolen vehicle and made contact with Hernandez.  Based on their investigation, Hernandez was arrested for 10851 VC, 496 PC and an outstanding warrant for a hit and run traffic collision from a 2010 incident in North Sacramento.

CHP Investigators interviewed Hernandez while at the Sacramento County Jail and he admitted to being the driver at the time of the collision stated above.   CHP Investigators added the following charges to Hernandez:  192(c) - misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, 20001 (b) (2) - felony hit and run, and 14601.2 VC- driving on a suspended drivers license.