Santa Rosa, CA – A devastating hit-and-run accident in Santa Rosa resulted in the death of 74-year-old Geary Wade Grady. The incident occurred at the intersection of Morgan Street and College Avenue on December 31, 2023, at approximately 7:13 p.m., leaving the community in shock and mourning.

According to the Santa Rosa Police Department, a blue 2019 Toyota Tacoma exited Highway 101 and was traveling east on College Avenue when it struck Grady, who was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. The driver of the Tacoma failed to stop after hitting Grady and continued driving east, leaving the victim injured and unattended.

At the scene, police discovered the vehicle’s front bumper and license plate, crucial evidence in tracking down the driver. Grady was rushed to a local hospital with severe injuries, but despite medical efforts, he tragically passed away on January 6, 2024.

The driver, later identified as 31-year-old Brigido Pena Villanueva of Greenfield, contacted the authorities shortly after the crash, admitting to striking the pedestrian. Villanueva was located in Cotati, between Highway 101 and Highway 116, and was arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in serious bodily injury.

Villanueva has since been booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility. Grady’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face and the importance of drivers staying accountable for their actions on the road.

The Santa Rosa Police Department continues to investigate the incident, and anyone with further information is encouraged to come forward.