Crime

Woman killed in Fresno hit-and-run crash. The driver didn’t try to help, CHP says

The California Highway Patrol is seeking the driver of a vehicle that hit and killed a woman on a freeway off-ramp in downtown Fresno early Saturday morning and then left the scene.

The woman was identified Monday by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as Stephanie Clauson, 39, of Fresno.

Fresno highway patrol officers received a call around 1:30 a.m. of a person lying on the shoulder of northbound Highway 99 near Fresno Street.

Authorities said Clauson died at the scene.

Investigators determined that Clauson was walking along the beginning of the off-ramp near Fresno Street when the driver in an unknown vehicle struck her. The driver did not stop to help Clauson and left the scene without contacting authorities.

The driver and vehicle are outstanding. Investigators did not say whether they know the make and model of the vehicle.

It’s also unknown if drugs or alcohol played a factor in the collision.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is asked call the CHP at 559-705-2200.

This story was originally published January 9, 2021 at 11:54 AM.

Brianna Vaccari
The Fresno Bee
Brianna Vaccari covers Fresno City Hall for The Bee, where she works to hold public officials accountable and shine a light on issues that deeply affect residents’ lives. She previously worked for The Bee’s sister paper, the Merced Sun-Star, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Fresno State.
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