Police say drunk driver killed popular produce vendor in San Jose

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A community is in mourning after a popular produce vendor and his wife were struck by an alleged drunk driver in San Jose over the weekend. On Monday, people came by to leave flowers at a growing memorial for Francisco Hernandez.

"I would always come here and buy fruit from them," said customer Ariana Cardenas. "Very nice guy."

He died on Sunday. His family tells us they are now trying to manage through the tragedy and make arrangements for a church service.

A family member also told us his wife, Irais, has been released from the hospital.

Everyone who came by Monday described Hernandez as a well-liked guy who was easy to talk to.

"How he was as a person, I mean, you could talk to him about everything like family," said customer Ismael Quinones. "Like he knew you and we knew him

The man accused in this case, Marco Chamale, is facing a number of felonies. He was originally booked on suspicion of driving under the influence.

ABC7 News talked with two men who described the crash Saturday night.

"So, I guess the guy came out by the liquor store, came out crashed into that fence right over there, and then I guess he tried to pull into here," said witness Ivan Gonzalez.

From the skid mark on the crosswalk, you can see where the car ran into Hernandez and his truck.

Witnesses say people in the neighborhood pounced on Chamale to keep him from getting away.

"They saw him get off the car and just started just jumping him, just keeping him down until the cops come," said witness Manny Peralta.

Chamale's first court date is scheduled for Wednesday.

A viewer has set up a GoFundMe site for Hernandez's family. If you would like to help click here.