“On Thursday December 16th, 2021 at about 2350 hours, Chico Police were dispatched to a vehicle versus pedestrian collision at W. 5th Street and Cherry Street. Witnesses reported that a black sedan driving west bound on W. 5th Street struck a pedestrian that was crossing the street in an unmarked crosswalk.
The force of the impact launched the pedestrian into air and onto the ground. The black sedan fled the scene. The pedestrian was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. At the time of this press release, the pedestrian’s condition was only reported as extremely critical.
About 20 minutes later, while Officers were still processing the scene, the driver of the black sedan returned and admitted he was the driver that struck the pedestrian. The driver was identified as Keith Rector, a 26-year-old Chico resident. Rector was intoxicated and ultimately was arrested for DUI. Due to the pedestrian’s condition, Chico Police’s Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T) was called and took over the investigation.
Rector was booked for 23153 (a) and (b) CVC – Felony DUI and 20001 CVC – Felony hit and run. Rector’s bail was set at $100,000.
Case: 21-007589
Location: W. 5th Street at Cherry Street
Date/Time: 12-16-2021 at 2350 hours
Victim: Withheld
Suspect: Keith Rector (26-year-old Chico resident)”
