Woman Killed in Vallejo Hit-and-Run
I’m Ed Smith, a Vallejo auto accident lawyer. A hit-and-run collision that occurred during the afternoon of Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Vallejo left an 18-year-old pedestrian with fatal injuries. The woman was identified by the Solano County Coroner’s Office as Ayres Buffin, a Vallejo local.
My deep sympathies are with Buffin’s loved ones during this difficult time.
Accident Information
Vallejo Police Department (VPD) authorities reported that a 1994 Chevrolet Suburban had been heading northbound along Vervais Avenue at approximately 3:40 p.m. It was at this time that the Suburban began to roll backward down the steep hill for reasons that remain unknown.
The SUV subsequently backed up onto a sidewalk close to the intersection of Fleming Avenue East and Vervais Avenue where it collided with Buffin who had been walking along the sidewalk while video chatting with a friend using her mobile phone.
Video taken at the scene of the accident shows the SUV continuing to roll down the hill and overturning before coming to a rest on its roof. One witness of the accident reports seeing the driver exit the SUV after it overturned, look at the injured pedestrian and run away.
Police Efforts
Officers of VPD have said that they believe the driver may be 29-year-old Vincent Fitzer, a Vallejo resident with a marked criminal history that includes acts of violence. Michael Nicolini of VPD reported that Fitzer seems to be transient and does not live at any specific location. Officers have contacted many of Fitzer’s family members but are still unable to locate the alleged driver.
Any person who may have information about the collision and/or information regarding the whereabouts of the hit-and-run driver can assist officers by calling (707) 648-4329 to report what they know.
A Life Remembered
On Thursday, March 8, 2018, friends, family and members of Buffin’s community gathered to pay respects and grieve the loss of their loved one at a candlelight vigil held at the location of the accident. People who knew Ayres Buffin described her to reporters as a person who was always happy and smiling.
Vallejo Collisions
This collision is the sixth fatal accident that Vallejo has seen since the beginning of 2018 and Buffin is the seventh individual to lose their life in a Vallejo auto accident during this time. This incident took place despite increased pedestrian safety enforcement patrols instituted by VPD in February to curtail the severe spike in pedestrian accidents that were paid for by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
In order to stay safe, drivers and pedestrians alike are encouraged to practice extra caution while navigating the roadways. Drivers especially should always anticipate pedestrians and make efforts to slow down when in residential areas, making blind turns, and driving near crosswalks or areas with heavy foot traffic.
More Content from Ed Smith, Vallejo Auto Accident Lawyer
- Pedestrian Dead in Vallejo Fatal Hit-and-Run
- How Injury Attorneys Can Help
- Vallejo Pedestrian Fatality
Vallejo Auto Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Vallejo auto accident lawyer. Car accidents often result in devastating or fatal injuries. When this happens, injured parties and their families are often able to obtain compensation for their damages. If you or a person you know has been seriously hurt by a reckless driver, call me to get friendly legal advice for free. I’m available locally at (707) 564-1900. You can also call (800) 404-5400 or go to AutoAccident.com.
Since 1982, I’ve assisted Vallejo area residents with resolving personal injury and wrongful death cases, ensuring that they receive the full compensation they deserve.
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The Million Dollar Advocates Forum includes me as a California member, meaning I have settled and won outright cases worth at least $1,000,000 for clients.
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AutoAccident.com is the best website for auto accident and personal injury info and reporting in Northern California.
pic: “candlelight vigil” by Zac Frith through C.C. 0
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