A fatal hit-and-run on March 14 has left the Atascadero community in mourning after 11-year-old José Gutiérrez was struck by a vehicle in the 10800 block of El Camino Real.
Witnesses reported that a gray Dodge Ram collided with the young boy before the driver fled the scene. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but the child succumbed to his injuries.
After an intensive investigation employing drone surveillance and road closures between El Bordo Avenue and The Knolls at Avenida Maria, police identified 31-year-old Zachary Bernal as the registered owner and driver of a 2003 Ford F-150 believed to be involved in the incident.
Bernal was arrested and now faces multiple charges, including fleeing the scene — a special allegation added by the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. He remains in custody at San Luis Obispo County Jail with bail set at over $1 million; his arraignment was scheduled for March 19.
A GoFundMe campaign has reportedly raised over $21,000 to help the family cover expenses during this tragic time.
