‘She was left on the street like a dog’: Hit-and-run driver wanted in deadly Oakland crosswalk collision

(KRON) — The Oakland Police Department said the suspected driver in a deadly hit-and-run collision fled the area after striking a pedestrian walking in the crosswalk. Now, family and friends of the victim are demanding justice.

OPD said officers responded to the incident on July 7, just before 10 p.m., in the intersection of 82nd and Bancroft avenues.

Oakland police discovered the injured victim at the scene, and they were taken to a nearby hospital where they later died.

“During the investigation, officers learned that as the pedestrian was walking in the marked crosswalk, a vehicle was approaching the intersection westbound on Bancroft Avenue. The vehicle struck the pedestrian as they were walking in the crosswalk,” said OPD.

Police have not released a suspect description. It has not been determined if alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision.

The victim has been identified by her family as 59-year-old Rose Marie Banks, who they said lived in the area by the crash. There was a memorial held on Wednesday at the crash scene as family and friends released balloons and doves in her honor.

Banks’ cousin Keshia told KRON4 that the family became frantic after not hearing from her for days before learning of her tragic death.

“That was really devastating to find out that that was my cousin that got hit and she was left on the street like a dog,” said Keshia Banks.

“She was a real outgoing person,” remembered friend Laquandra Gren. “She loved her family; she loved being very friendly. She made you feel very welcome, very outspoken; she was all around a wonderful person.”

Banks’ family is calling on the driver to come forward while also bringing awareness to what they call an increase in reckless driving in the area. She had just lost her husband eight months ago, said family members.

“It’s been a lot of crazy driving and irresponsible people when pedestrians are in the crosswalk and get hit and run,” added Banks. “It’s time for a change.”

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to contact the Oakland Police Department Traffic Investigation Unit at (510) 777-8570. Anyone with photos or videos that can aid the investigation is asked to send them to cidvideos@oaklandca.gov.