Oakland, California – Mardenia Carrillo Lopez, a 17-year-old girl, tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run accident on International Boulevard in Oakland. The incident occurred on August 19, and Mardenia’s identity was confirmed by the Alameda County coroner on Thursday.
Mardenia and another pedestrian were crossing International Boulevard at a marked crosswalk when a car, traveling eastward at high speed, struck them. The Oakland Police Department reported that the driver continued down the boulevard and was involved in a second multi-vehicle crash.
At the scene of the second accident, a crowd of witnesses and bystanders quickly surrounded the suspect. One witness, Dante Shaw, recorded video of the confrontation. He recalled a bystander telling the suspect, “You are not going nowhere,” even as the suspect denied being behind the wheel. Another witness was heard shouting, “He ran somebody over!” while calling for help.
Despite the chaos, the bystanders managed to detain the driver until deputies from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office arrived and arrested him. The suspect, who showed signs of injury, was handcuffed and taken into custody. Oakland Police expressed their gratitude to the public for their assistance, noting that the driver’s intoxication likely played a role in the accident.
The initial accident site marked the tragic end for Mardenia Lopez. The second victim, who was also hit, was transported to a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. The suspect’s name has not been released by the authorities.
In a Facebook post, Stephanie Rothman shared the devastating news about Mardenia, reflecting the grief and shock felt by the Oakland community. Mardenia’s untimely death has left a deep void, and the community continues to come together to support each other during this heartbreaking time.