CA board loses bid to restrict medical license of doctor accused of fatal hit-and-run
A Fresno County judge on Thursday denied a request by the Medical Board of California to restrict the medical license of accused fatal hit-and-run driver Dr. James Comazzi.
Comazzi, 68, a cardiologist from Sonora, is accused of hitting and killing Juliana Ramos of Reedley on Feb. 10 as she stopped and helped the victim of an accident on northbound Highway 99 near the Manning Avenue exit in Fresno County.
“He hit her with such force that she was flung into the center median and bystanders couldn’t even find her,” said Marianne Pansa, with the state Attorney General’s office. “Dr. Comazzi got out of the car, asked where the victim was as bystanders were looking for her and then he got into his car and left the scene.”
To help hide his digital footprints, Pansa alleged, Comazzi reset his cell phone to its factory settings.
Comazzi eluded law enforcement for seven months until an anonymous tip led investigators to Comazzi’s home in Sonora. There they found the damaged red SUV involved in the crash. Comazzi was arrested and booked into the Fresno County Jail. He later was released after posting a $15,000 bond.
Comazzi has pleaded not guilty to hit-and-run and vehicular homicide. Thursday’s hearing was to hear a motion by the Medical Board of California to restrict Comazzi’s ability to practice medicine as part of his bail conditions.
Pansa, who represents the medical board, argued that Comazzi’s alleged “egregious conduct” that day violated the public trust people have in their doctors.
“It is imperative that a physician demonstrate good judgment, truth, honesty and integrity,” she said. “Dr. Comazzi has not done any of those things.”
The cardiologist’s attorney Jeffrey Hammerschmidt opposed any restrictions on his client, saying he was being denied his rights to due process.
Hammerschmidt told the judge that Comazzi has been a doctor for 42 years and has an excellent reputation. He also gave the judge letters of support from co-workers and patients.
Judge James Kelley ruled against the medical board, saying there are administrative remedies available to the state to try and suspend Comazzi’s ability to practice.
“I believe due process requires more than the submissions of declarations,” Kelley said.
Comazzi’s next court appearance is Feb. 7 in Dept. 32.
This story was originally published January 13, 2022 at 11:11 AM.
