A tragic incident unfolded in East Oakland, where a 17-year-old girl was killed and her mother was injured in a DUI hit-and-run crash. The heartbreaking event occurred along International Boulevard, leaving a tight-knit community in shock and mourning. The suspect, who has been identified as a repeat DUI offender, is now in custody facing serious charges.
The Incident
The crash took place on a Tuesday evening around 6:30 PM near the intersection of 72nd Avenue and International Boulevard in East Oakland. The victims, 17-year-old Medina Carrillo Lopez and her mother, were walking when they were struck by a red Chevrolet Impala. Medina was pronounced dead at the scene, while her mother sustained injuries to her hand and shoulder. The driver, instead of stopping to help, fled the scene, leading to further chaos.
Suspect and Arrest
The suspect has been identified as 37-year-old Augusto Matias, a repeat DUI offender. After striking Medina and her mother, Matias continued driving but eventually lost control of his vehicle. He crashed into a tree in the center median several blocks away, near 84th Avenue and International Boulevard.
Witnesses who saw the crash quickly surrounded Matias, preventing him from fleeing further. They detained him until law enforcement arrived. Deputies from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office took Matias into custody and handed him over to the Oakland Police Department. Matias is currently facing charges of gross vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence (DUI).
Community Reaction and Support
The death of Medina Carrillo Lopez has deeply affected the local community, especially among the Guatemalan immigrant population in Oakland. Pastor Hector Hugo, a local religious leader, has been providing emotional support to Medina’s family, including her father, who is from Guatemala. Pastor Hugo expressed the profound sadness felt by the community, emphasizing the tragic consequences of drunk driving.
Crecencio Ramirez, the founder of Radio Balam, a station that broadcasts in the Maya Mam language spoken by Medina’s family, has been actively sharing news of the incident. He highlighted that this is not the first time the community has suffered from such tragedies, noting that several families in the Mam community have lost loved ones in car accidents over the years.
Safety Concerns on International Boulevard
The incident has reignited concerns about safety on International Boulevard, a busy street that has been the site of numerous accidents. Some residents and community leaders believe that the reduction of the boulevard to a single lane has contributed to unsafe driving behavior, with drivers frequently using the bus-only lane to bypass traffic, leading to more crashes.
Council Member Kevin Jenkins, whose district includes the area where the crash occurred, acknowledged the ongoing safety challenges along International Boulevard. He described the death of Medina as an “absolute tragedy,” particularly given her young age and the bright future she had ahead of her. Jenkins emphasized the need for increased safety measures to prevent further loss of life on this busy thoroughfare.
Legal Proceedings and Memorial Service
As the investigation continues, the community is preparing to honor Medina’s memory. A vigil and wake are scheduled to take place at an Oakland church located at the corner of East 12th Street and 16th Avenue. The event is expected to draw many members of the community, who will come together to support the grieving family and remember the young life lost too soon.
The legal proceedings against Augusto Matias are expected to be closely followed by the community, as many are eager to see justice served for the devastating loss of Medina Carrillo Lopez. Matias faces severe charges that could lead to significant prison time if convicted, particularly given his history as a repeat DUI offender.
Conclusion
This tragic event has not only devastated a family but also highlighted ongoing issues of road safety and the dangers of drunk driving in Oakland. As the community mourns the loss of a young life, there is a renewed call for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and more robust safety measures on streets like International Boulevard to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
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