SJPD search for suspect in fatal hit-and-run

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- San Jose police are looking for suspect in a fatal hit-and-run accident from early Friday morning.

They concluded a big investigation on Santa Clara Street in downtown San Jose where a 60-year-old man, described by police as a transient, took his last breath in what can only be described as a baffling hit-and-run crash.

A witness told police that just before 5 a.m., the driver of a pickup truck crossed over into the opposite lanes of traffic, hopped a curb and clipped the man while he was riding his bicycle on the sidewalk.

Police don't believe that was the fatal blow.

"We think that when the suspect vehicle went to flee the scene, he put it in reverse and then ran over the victim one more time. It is an intentional act. We don't know if he was doing that to cause harm to the victim or if he was just fleeing the scene," explained Lt. Jason Herr with the San Jose Police Department.

Police describe the suspect vehicle as a late 80s or early 90s work style, white pickup truck.

Witnesses say there was a lot of junk in the bed of the truck and should have some minor damage to the front fender area of the driver's side.

About a mile away, police responded to a call of a vehicle matching that description but they determined it was not the one involved in the fatal crash.

They expect to get many calls like this one as they try to catch the driver.

This is the third traffic fatality so far this year in San Jose. In 2015, 60 people were killed in traffic collisions.

"Last year was a terrible year for pedestrians and auto versus pedestrian fatalities here in the city. To start off the new year with three right off the bat like this is, is not a good thing. People just need to be safe. Be aware of their surroundings and hopefully we have a better year this year," said Herr.

Police are hoping cameras here at the SAP Center and area traffic cameras will give them more information on the vehicle and driver.