Full Notification

On the evening of March 31, 2017, the victim, a 59 year-old female resident of San Mateo was walking her dog on Edinburgh Street. An unrelated citizen found and returned the dog to the victim’s home unaware the victim was unaccounted for. The victim’s family went searching and found her alone and seriously injured from a suspected hit and run collision. The victim was admitted into the hospital with serious injuries, and continues to recover to this day, several months later. 

Working with limited physical evidence and no direct witness information, officers pursued leads in the early investigation that did not directly yield a suspect. Dedicated officers from SMPD’s Traffic Unit never gave up on the case. Traffic investigators doggedly pursued multiple investigative angles over the course of 8 months, and personally located and inspected over 50 possible suspect vehicles. The officers were ultimately able to locate the suspect vehicle as well as evidence of the suspect’s attempts to conceal the crime. 

On the early morning hours of January 4th, SMPD Officers executed a search warrant on the suspect’s residence in the 800 block of N. Delaware St. With the suspect vehicle and additional evidence in hand, they arrested 44 year-old Thomas M. Pagnotta of San Mateo for this heinous hit and run. He was ultimately booked into San Mateo County Jail on Felony Hit and Run charges. 

This is one example of the dedication our Traffic Team has to holding traffic violators accountable, and the passion with which they are committed to pedestrian safety. 

SAFETY MESSAGE – 
In general, and not specific to this investigation, our traffic team would like to remind drivers to be respectful and ever watchful for pedestrians, and to drive with caution in that respect. The team also reminds pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings, and wear highly visible clothing, especially during times of low light and darkness. 

MEDIA POINT OF CONTACT – 

Sergeant Amanda Von Glahn 650-522-7626  [email protected]