FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A family heartbroken by the loss of their loved one, 30-year-old Shante Vasquez.
“I’m sorry, I wish I could have prevented this from happening,” said Vasquez’s twin brother, Day Day Vasquez.
Fresno Police said Vasquez, who goes by the name Monica, was walking near First and Olive when, 47-year-old Akinyele Chatmon, crashed into her on Sunday afternoon.
“She was on the sidewalk. So, that vehicle, that gray Honda did leave the roadway and was traveling on the sidewalk,” said Fresno Police Sergeant Mark Van Wyhe.
Authorities believe Vasquez was dragged about 70 yards before Chatmon came to a stop.
Detectives suspect the 47-year-old was under the influence of alcohol and or drugs at the time of the collision.
Chatmon was booked into jail and is being held on a $151,000 bond.
“A mother, a sister, an aunt, a friend, you took a life,” said Vasquez’s little sister, Carmen Yepez.
The family said Vasquez was a mother of five children and loved surrounding herself with family.
“She would give you the last meal if she had to, she would give you the shirt off her back if she had to. She makes sure everyone is right before herself,” said Yepez.
“I love you and I’m gonna miss you. And I’m sorry that this is what it came out to be and I lost you and it’s gonna be birthdays without you, holidays without and it hurts a lot,” said Day Day.
The family set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.
And as this investigation continues, Fresno Police are asking for any witnesses to come forward and reach out to detectives.
