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MAN CONVICTED OF FELONY HIT AND RUN

San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Will Thomas (59), after a trial by jury for gravely injuring a woman, he stuck at the intersection of O’Farrell and St. Joseph Streets.  Mr. Thomas was convicted of one count of felony hit and run with injury (VC 20001(a)).  The jury also found true allegations that the victim was especially vulnerable, and the strike involved great violence, great bodily injury or a high degree of viciousness or callousness.

“I would like to thank the jury for their service,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.  “The jury’s verdict delivers justice to the victim and her family and also sends a message that there will be accountability for these types of incidents.”

According to evidence and other testimony presented at trial on October 4, 2023, at approximately 5:46 AM Mr. Thomas pulled out of a driveway and began driving east on O’Farrell Street.  At approximately 5:47 AM he struck the victim in the middle of the crosswalk at the intersection of O’Farrell and St. Joseph Streets and fled the scene.  The victim was a 65-year-old woman on her way to work.  Paramedics rushed the victim to a local emergency room for life saving care.  The victim sustained multiple brain bleeds and rib fractures.

The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Samantha Adhikari, with assistance from DAI Investigators Omega Crum and John Lenny, paralegals Jen Java and Sara Wong, and IT support from Noaeh Pinaire.  The case was successfully prosecuted based on the thorough investigation of the San Francisco Police Department’s Northern Station and Kaiser Permanente’s Security and Investigations Department.

“The victim was initially left in a coma as a result of this incident and has had an arduous recovery process,” said Assistant District Attorney Samantha Adhikari.  “Despite that, she has made progress as a result of her and her family’s resilience.  I hope this verdict provides them with some solace and strength as she continues to recover.  I am grateful to the jury for providing justice to the victim, family, and the community at large.”

Mr. Thomas was remanded into custody when the verdict was read.  He faces up to three years in state prison for his crimes.  Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2024.

Court Number: 23017330

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