Man Arrested and Charged with Vehicular Manslaughter after Fatal Crash in Danville
– by Jim Emerson
DANVILLE, CA — A 72-year-old man faces a vehicular manslaughter charge pertaining to the death of a woman driver. Andrew Chao, a resident of Danville, was arrested on a warrant on August 16. He was subsequently released from the Martinez Detention Facility on $50,000 bond.
Chao was driving when his minivan collided with a pickup truck, resulting in the death of Sandy Hall, 57, of San Leandro. This tragic accident occurred in Danville on March 1 at approximately 1:15 p.m.
Three family members who were riding with Hall sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Chao also sustained injuries. All the survivors received medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
The accident happened at the intersection of Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Ramon, near Interstate 680. The pickup truck flipped over three times due to the force of the collision.
The driver who was killed was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators determined that neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the collision.
Witnesses reported the horrific crash to the Danville police. In a prepared statement the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office said. “Chao committed an unlawful act in the roadway with gross negligence when his vehicle collided with a pickup truck.”
If Chao is convicted, a judge could sentence Chao to a maximum of six years in prison, according to the DA’s office.
The scene of the accident was closed more than six hours for emergency response, investigation, and to clear the wreckage.
