FRESNO (KMJ) — A traffic stop and a tip from a member of the public helped bring in a hit-and-run suspect, who police say severely injured a Fresno surgeon.
Doctor William Dominic, the leader of the team who helped with the recovery of Fire Captain Pete Dern, was himself severely injured while cycling home from CRMC in February.
“Doctor Dominic was in the area of Fresno and Holland when he was struck by a motorist”, says Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer. “That motorist left the scene, had Doctor Dominic’s bicycle underneath the vehicle, drove away, that was reported to us by a witness”.
Investigators started working on leads, and despite some not working out, they reveal that reconstructions and news-stories helped retain public interest and encourage people to come forward. The big break in the case was when a member of the public left a message with one of the investigators.
“The voicemail came in on Monday the 13th of this week”, continues Chief Dyer. “The caller stated that they had information regarding a case. Did not specify which case but wished a call back. Sergeant Landon called this individual back, and during the course of the conversation that person said that they had information regarding the suspect responsible for the hit and run collision of Doctor Dominic that occurred on February 26th.
“After the Detectives learned of that person’s name, they began to do considerable research through social media to determine who this person was, where they worked, as well as doing a records management search within our Fresno Police Department.
“It was that records management search that allowed our Detectives to find that the suspect, Brianna Sandoval, had been stopped by one of our traffic officers on April 7th. The body worn camera video that was activated prior to the stop clearly showed that there was damage to the top of that vehicle”.
The suspect was tracked down and after being confronted with the accusation, Chief Dyer revealed that the 22 year old confessed to being the one responsible for the collision.
“A search warrant was obtained by Detectives for Sandoval’s vehicle, and her apartment”, he continued. “What we have learned through that investigation and through the search warrant that it is very very likely that Miss Sandoval had a severe drinking problem”.
Police add that the suspect was traveling back home from a club in Fresno when the incident occurred, but she initially denied consuming any alcohol or driving under the influence. She eventually admitted to having had two beers, and a mixed drink, before getting into her car.
Brianna Sandoval was arrested and booked into Fresno County Jail on a felony hit and run charge. She since posted bail and has been released.
“Doctor Dominic is back at work, he continues to ride his bicycle, and he’s very very fortunate that he was able to survive these injuries”, concluded Chief Dyer. “The bicycle has yet to be recovered…and we have no idea where it is”.
Anyone who knows the location of that bicycle is asked to contact police, as it is considered evidence in the case.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
