Update: Suspect lied about involvement in hit-and-run, says CHP
Update posted April 29
Richard L. Gonzalez now faces two charges
–After a three-week investigation, the CHP has determined that Richard L. Gonzalez was the driver involved in the crash, and that he lied about his vehicle being stolen.
Investigators say they determined Gonzalez was the driver involved in the hit-and-run. They say he created a fake alibi.
He was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, giving false information to a peace officer, and filing a false police report, reports say.
Update posted April 6
Updated: Suspect in hit and run files stolen vehicle report
–The California Highway Patrol released an update regarding Richard L. Gonzalez and the felony hit and run.
Gonzalez reportedly turned himself in and reported that his pickup truck had been stolen and completed a stolen vehicle report. The entire collision and stolen vehicle portion are currently under investigation, according to CHP.
Original story posted April 4
Police searching for man who fled the scene of accident on Highway 101
–The California Highway Patrol is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect in a recent hit and run. The suspect being sought is Richard Lawrence Gonzalez with a last know address out of Creston.
Details of the accident
Wednesday morning around 9:09 a.m., Richard Jennings, a 48-year-old Paso Robles man, was driving his tan Toyota Tacoma was northbound on US 101 in the far right lane at a speed of 50 mph and was going to exit at Traffic Way in Atascadero. A white Ford F-150 made an unsafe lane change into the right lane and into the side of the Tacoma.
The Tacoma veered out of control and traveled off the freeway, went through a perimeter fence striking a large oak tree, and finally came to rest in the Denny’s parking lot on El Camino Real in Atascadero. Witnesses saw the driver of the F-150 pull over on the Traffic way off ramp and exit the pickup. He took all the vehicle’s paperwork out of the glove box and fled off the freeway on foot, jumping over a perimeter fence towards El Camino Real.
He was described as a white male about 40 years of age and 200 pounds, wearing dark clothing. The suspect left numerous items of personal identification in the F-150 such as a California photo ID, a lap top computer, items with his full name and date of birth, and other correspondence with his full name and home address. The suspect being sought is Richard Lawrence Gonzalez with a last know address out of Creston, CA.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of Richard Lawrence Gonzalez, or if he wishes to turn himself in, they are urged to contact the Templeton office of the California Highway Patrol at (805) 434-1822.
The F-150 was impounded for evidence and a suspect is being sought.
This is an ongoing investigation and no further details are available at this time. This information is being released to solicit the public’s assistance in apprehending this suspect.
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