Tragedy struck the streets of Oakland as Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price slammed Jose Perez with severe charges in the aftermath of an elderly pedestrian's death. In a statement by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, it was announced that Perez is charged with one count of Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence and one count of Hit-and-Run Driving relating to the May 31, 2022, incident that claimed the life of 72-year-old Emelia Martinez Roa.

The fatal encounter occurred on International Boulevard in Oakland's Fruitvale District, where Roa, the pedestrian, was tragically struck down. Perez, allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen car at the time, is accused of having hit the elderly woman and fleeing without offering her aid or contacting emergency services. 

DA Pamela Price expressed her concerns about pedestrian safety in Alameda County, "Taking a walk in Alameda County should not end with someone losing their life due to the negligence of a driver behind the wheel of a motor vehicle," as noted in her statement. Price highlights the crucial moments that followed the collision when proper attention and immediate help might have saved a life.

Judgment now awaits Perez, who, if convicted, could face a six-year sentence in state prison. The allegations are bolstered with further complications as Perez's record surfaces to the fore with a pair of enhancements – Prior Convictions and Violence or Bodily Harm. The arraignment is scheduled for April 25, when Perez will face the charges in court.