This press release is a summary of the facts known at the time. This incident is still under investigation and the information is subject to change. Additional details will be released as they become available.

On Friday, December 13, 2019 at approximately 11:29 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to the area of South Watt Avenue and Jackson Road regarding a major vehicle collision involving two pedestrians.

When officers arrived, they learned that two pedestrians and a Volkswagen were involved in the collision. Officers located a female adult pedestrian in the roadway who had sustained major injuries. Officers began life-saving efforts until fire personnel arrived on scene.  The female was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.  While officers were checking the area, they located a male adult pedestrian in the roadway.  The male adult pedestrian was declared deceased by fire personnel on scene.  The driver of the Volkswagen remained on scene, was cooperative with the investigation and did not have signs of impairment.

Responding officers conducted an initial canvass of the area for witnesses and evidence. Based on statements, physical evidence, and damage to the vehicles, we believe the following occurred.  The male and female pedestrians exited their vehicle and, according to witnesses, seemed to be in an argument in the middle of the roadway.  The driver of the Volkswagen was traveling southbound on South Watt Ave and struck the two pedestrians who were standing in the roadway.  There are no crosswalks in this area and speed does not appear to be a factor in this collision.     

Due to the fatalities, the Department’s Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) responded to the scene to take over the traffic investigation. Detectives checked the area for additional evidence and witnesses. The investigation remains active.

The identity of the male and female pedestrians will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office once next of kin has been notified.

The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this vehicle collision to contact the dispatch center at (916) 808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Witnesses may also submit an anonymous tip using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.