SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A hit-and-run suspect is behind bars after allegedly running over three people Sunday evening.
The Sacramento Police Department says they arrested 43-year-old Jesus Banegas Thursday in connection to the hit-and-run crash. He is accused of hitting a tent with his black SUV on Dos Rios Street sidewalk in Sacramento between North B and D streets.
Sacramento police have not said if drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crash, but an investigation is still ongoing. It's still unclear if the hit-and-run was accidental or intentional.
Banegas is accused of two felony charges involving hit and run with injury. His bail is set for $50,000 and is expected to make his first court appearance on April 22.
All three people were taken to the hospital with major injuries. Police say two people are in critical but stable condition, and the third is in critical condition with significant injuries.
“It is getting worse. The crime here is getting worse,” said Daniel Aderholt, a homeless advocate.
Aderholt says this is just another example of the dangers those living on the street face.
“It makes me sick because this is not just the first time it happened,” said Aderholt. "It has got to a point where people just do not care to go on top of sidewalks or killing people.”
Aderholt also mourns the death of another homeless man this weekend, who was a part of his American River Homeless Crews, which cleans up around the American River.
He believes in general attacks on the homeless are increasing and the hit-and-run crash is just the latest case. Due to the investigation being ongoing, police aren't able to tell if the crash was intentional at this time.
“They need homes for the homeless and they need to find homes for them and their pets,” said Aderholt. “To stop the violence out here, stopped this anti-homeless activity they are doing. It is sending the wrong message to the public. They are basically sending the message that the homeless are scumbags. Something that is not true. They are no different than you and me.”
He hopes there are harsher laws to protect everyone despite their economic situation.
