(SACRAMENTO, CA.) — A Sunday night solo driver sideshow fizzled into a felony arrest on May 10, after Sacramento Police officers responded to a hit-and-run collision near Northgate Boulevard and Wisconsin Avenue. What began as an attempted donut display ended with officers tracking down an alleged suspect who—according to half of Facebook—left more evidence behind than he took with him.
(Image Credit: Sacramento Police Department Facebook Post.)
Thanks to real-time technology and some old‑fashioned on‑scene detective work, officers identified 30‑year‑old Rafael Gutierrez of Sacramento as the suspected driver responsible for the collision.
Police say that shortly after speeding away, Gutierrez allegedly checked himself into a nearby hospital, where officers located and arrested him on charges of felony hit‑and‑run, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect’s vehicle, however, did not fare as well. As one Facebook commenter noted, “They literally left the whole front of the car behind—license plates attached.”
(Image Credit: Sacramento Police Department Facebook Post.)
The department’s Facebook post announcing the arrest has since gathered more than 244 comments and 1.1k likes, turning the platform into a live focus group on driving etiquette, donuts, and the value of surveillance cameras.
OpGov.news reports many commenters couldn’t help but critique the suspect’s performance.
“Can’t even do a proper donut lol,” wrote John L.
“That’s not a donut!!! That’s a fruit loop,” added Doug W.
Devon T. sympathized with the car, noting, “Bro’s controller disconnected.”
Meanwhile, Ruby E. confessed, “I thought the video was playing in slow motion once those donuts started.”
Others zeroed in on the baffling decision to flee—especially after leaving behind, well, most of the car.
“Left your bumper, bro,” Jessica A. pointed out.
Rhonda R. voiced the confusion of many: “OK, I’m confused. It’s the red car that was doing donuts. Why is the silver car at fault?”
And in what might be the most Sacramento critique of all, Brian W. lamented, “Man, how you gonna crash and don’t get no JimBoys to go with it?! Dude you trippin.”
Several residents praised the technology that helped locate the suspect so quickly.
“Say what you want, but I like those live cameras. It settles the score real fast,” wrote Leene E.
Jack S. added, “You can run, but you cannot hide with all the technology around here.”
And Renee T. summed it up simply: “This is why I support FLOCK cameras! Well done SPD.”
Still, others urged caution or expressed mixed feelings about tech‑assisted policing.
“Not sold on the value of or even need for the cameras here,” commented Josh S.
Police say they stand by their message: reckless driving is preventable, fleeing a collision is illegal, and efforts to hold dangerous drivers accountable will continue. As the Sacramento Police Department put it, “We all share a responsibility to keep our roadways safe… Crimes like this threaten our community, and we will continue to use the tools and resources available to identify suspects and ensure they are held accountable.”
Based on the online commentary, the community seems to agree—if not about everything, then at least about one key lesson: if you’re going to perform donuts in Sacramento, you’d better commit. And maybe keep your bumper attached.
If you’d like to add or correct anything in this report, feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below. Suspects in this story are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Submit Sacramento County tips and story ideas to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
0
0
Comments