On Sunday in Oakland, a 100-year-old California man was struck by a car and killed. After the car left the scene, local police are still seeking the driver.
The Oakland Police Department requested assistance from the public on Tuesday in locating the vehicle in a press release. It published a picture of the vehicle that is “wanted in connection with the tragic hit-and-run of Tzu-Ta Ko, an Oakland resident, 100 years old.”
Around 7 a.m. local time on Sunday, Tzu-Ta was struck near 19th St. and Harrison St., according to police.
“Officers found an adult guy who had suffered severe head injuries in the crash when they arrived.” When they arrived on the scene, the Oakland Fire Department (OFD) and Falck Ambulance treated the victim until he passed away from his wounds, the OPD stated.
Shirley Ko, Tzu-daughter, Ta’s, told KTVU that she and her late father were “very, really close,” thus the news came as a shock to her.
Two months before his wife’s passing, Tzu-Ta, a retired official from Taiwan’s government, turned 100 in November.
According to Shirley, Tzu-Ta liked that “he is generally in good health, and he walks.” We are therefore quite startled. He almost always went for a walk.”
She explained to the newspaper about her father’s lengthy life: “Everyone may learn something from him.” He outlived 100 years. “He takes care of himself by exercising.”
Carl Chan, president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, added, “So tragic, you know, someone who can live to 100.” Being older, I find it quite sad. “Sadly, there have been a lot of pedestrian deaths involving senior citizens.”
He said, “At the very least, you should have the decency to stop, dial 911, or call the police.” This sort of conduct is unacceptable.
A brown or white Mini Cooper is the vehicle that the police are looking for. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered “for information leading to an arrest.”
KTVU reports that witnesses gave police a description of the car after last seeing it traveling south on Harrison.
Anyone with information or who thinks they may have observed the car is urged to contact the Oakland Police Department’s Traffic Investigation Section at (510) 777-8570.
According to OPD’s announcement, authorities are unsure if drugs or alcohol played a contributing role.
The people’s request for comment from the OPD was not immediately met with a response.