900 Block of West Mill Street: Pickup Strikes a Man Pushing a Shopping Cart, Hits a Palm Tree and the Driver Runs
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA (October 25, 2026): A man pushing a shopping cart was struck and killed in a San Bernardino hit-and-run in the 900 block of West Mill Street early Sunday, October 25, 2026, according to the San Bernardino Police Department and the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office. The San Bernardino Sun reported that the driver of the pickup truck involved ran from the scene on foot.
A Toyota Tacoma traveling east on Mill Street hit the pedestrian, San Bernardino police Lt. Christopher Gray told the San Bernardino Sun. Investigators believe the man was walking along the south side of the street, possibly on the sidewalk, when he was struck. The coroner’s office said police responded to the collision at about 3:15 a.m. and that the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
After striking the man, the Tacoma collided with a palm tree near a Shell station, Gray said, according to the Sun. The driver then left the pickup and fled on foot. Authorities described the driver only as a man believed to be in his 40s and said he is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. As of Tuesday, October 27, he apparently had not been found, the Sun reported. No one has been charged. Anyone accused in this crash is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Police have not said whether the Tacoma left the roadway before the impact, who owns the pickup, or whether any security cameras along West Mill Street recorded the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Bernardino Police Department.
Liability for a San Bernardino Hit-and-Run on West Mill Street
Under California Vehicle Code § 20001, a driver involved in a crash that injures or kills another person generally must stop immediately at the scene and fulfill the duties to give information and render aid. Vehicle Code § 23153 makes it unlawful to drive under the influence and, while doing so, commit an act or neglect a duty that causes bodily injury to another person. Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 generally allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim when a death is caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.
- A pedestrian off the travel lanes: Police said the man may have been on the sidewalk on the south side of Mill Street. A driver generally has a duty to stay in the roadway and to watch for people walking nearby, especially at night.
- The abandoned pickup: The driver left the Tacoma against a palm tree. The vehicle, its registration and its insurance can help investigators and the family identify who was responsible, even before the driver is found.
- Suspected impairment: Authorities said the driver is suspected of driving under the influence. Any test results or charges will come from the investigation and, if a case is filed, from the courts.
- Coverage when a driver flees: When a driver runs, the family’s own auto policy, the policy on the Tacoma and the vehicle owner’s coverage may all be part of the picture, depending on the facts and the terms of each policy.
These are general principles of California law. How they apply depends on what the police investigation shows about the moments before the Tacoma reached the 900 block of West Mill Street and who was behind the wheel.
Steps to Take After a San Bernardino Hit-and-Run
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 36,640 people died in traffic crashes in the United States in 2025. When a driver runs from a fatal crash, families are often left with more questions than answers in the first days.
- Contact the investigating agency: Call the San Bernardino Police Department, confirm the report number and ask how the family can request the collision report as soon as possible.
- Ask about cameras: Businesses along West Mill Street, including the gas station, may have video. Ask investigators whether it has been collected, and keep a list of any business you think may have a camera.
- Keep records together: Save the coroner’s information, funeral and medical bills, and any messages from witnesses or neighbors in one place.
- Talk to a lawyer before signing: Insurance companies may ask for recorded statements or releases. Speak with a lawyer before signing anything or giving a statement.
Legal deadlines and notice requirements apply after a crash, injury or death, and they vary with the facts of each case, the location and the parties involved, including any public agency. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Investigating the West Mill Street Hit-and-Run in San Bernardino
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C., a personal injury and civil rights law firm in Irvine, California, extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the man killed on West Mill Street. Two questions remain open: how the Tacoma came to strike a man who police believe was on or near the south sidewalk, and whether cameras near the Shell station recorded the driver who ran.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck or pedestrian accident anywhere in California, our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on October 28, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on October 25, 2026.
