By Jim Emerson
OAKLAND, CA — A driver with a jailbird history is in custody again—this time on suspicion of
vehicular manslaughter.
James G. Smith, 61, of Dublin, allegedly crashed into a man in a wheelchair and killed him.
Smith is allegedly responsible for the tragic hit-and-run accident that occurred on May 4.
The victim 49-year-old Elmo Ballard was struck near the intersection of San Pablo Avenue and
18th Street in Oakland.
The victim’s wheelchair was pinned underneath the suspect’s car, before the suspect fled
from the scene. Ballard was transported to a hospital, where he died of injuries resulting from
the crash.
Investigators identified Smith as the suspect. Oakland police placed Smith under arrest on
May 31 for the fatal hit-and-run accident.
Smith remains in custody at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail. He is ineligible for release on bond, pending a preliminary court hearing on June 17.
Smith faces charges in connection with vehicular manslaughter of a vulnerable victim. He is
also charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing death.
Smith has a lengthy arrest and criminal record. He has prior convictions for shooting at an
occupied motor vehicle, and possession of controlled substances.
Since 2013, Smith has been arrested 17 times. He has prior arrests involving controlled
substances, robberies, forgery, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
For these crimes he was sentenced to state prison and probation.
