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Auto-Bicyclist Fatal Collision Update

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE

Distracted driver charged in fatal auto-bicyclist collision

Detectives with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office have concluded that the driver involved in a deadly auto-bicyclist collision back in February was distracted behind the wheel. Mesfin Mekonnen, 64, of Santa Clara, is now facing a felony charge of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence by the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. On Friday, August 30, 2024, the driver surrendered and was booked into the Main Jail Facility.

On February 13, 2024, at approximately 9:41 a.m., the Los Altos Police Department and the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office responded to a collision involving a bicyclist along Foothill Expressway north of Old Oak Court in the Town of Los Altos Hills. The Santa Clara County Fire Department also arrived on scene and attempted life-saving measures. Unfortunately, the adult female bicyclist, Maria Jabon, 38, of Los Altos, died from her injuries. The involved driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, handled by the Sheriff’s Traffic Accident Reconstruction Specialists (STARS) team.

Over several months, detectives conducted forensic analyses, and utilized search warrants to obtain crucial evidence that indicated the driver was distracted and swerved into the bicycle lane and struck the bicyclist.

The Sheriff’s Office is saddened by this preventable tragedy and reminds all drivers that avoiding distractions while driving is crucial for your safety and the safety of others. We strongly urge anyone with information about this fatal collision to contact our Traffic Investigation Unit at 408-868-6600.

Prepared By:
Sr. Comms Officer Brooks Jarosz
Date / Time Prepared: 09/03/2024 @ 1030

Approved By:
Undersheriff Ken Binder
Date / Time Approved: 09/03/2024 @ 1115

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