I'm curious as to why the name of the driver hasn't been revealed. We're all aware of the Livermore man who killed two individuals this past weekend while (allegedly) driving drunk, and his name and face have been plastered everywhere (as well they should). So is there a double-standard here? Why no public shaming of this young woman, who by some media counts was driving while distracted and at excessive speeds?

If she is a minor under the age of 18, then we should be told that. We haven't, to my knowledge. So I would very much like to know who she is.

I didn't see in the article that it was a woman driver. If it was a minor, I can see why they are not releasing that information. I'm not sure, but I don't think they announce that detail until charges are filed. I don't think that they can legally reveal that info to the "press" until they gather additional info.

Good morning,

Thanks for all of those who are sending their thoughts and prayers to the families involved.

A question was raised regarding why the Danville Police Department is not releasing the name of the driver, so I wanted to take a moment and respond to that. Our policy prohibits the release of the names of people involved in accidents unless charges are filed or an arrest is made.

Our investigation into the accident at Crow Canyon Road and Tassajara Ranch Dr is ongoing and the cause of the collision and any charges that may be filed would not come until that investigation has been completed and the case has been reviewed by the District Attorney's Office.


We understand that this is an emotional time. We ask for patience with the investigation and we will release further information as soon as we can.

Thanks
Geoff.


Geoff Gillette
Public Information Coordinator
Town of Danville
(925)314-3336
email - [email protected]

Thank you for the explanation, Geoff.

Geoff,
Do you know if any citation (s) were issued on scene to the driver ?
Thank you for responding to the threads.

Good afternoon,

Thanks for the question. The way the citation process works is that for an officer to write a citation at the time of the infraction, the officer must witness it. In cases like Tuesday’s accident, where the officer did not witness it, an investigation must be conducted before any charges can be filed or arrests made.

And in cases where a serious injury or fatality occurs, the investigation must be conducted and then the case referred to the District Attorney’s office for review and possible charges.

Hope this helps.

Thanks

Geoff

Geoff Gillette
PUblic Information Coordinator
Town of Danville
(925) 314-3336
email - [email protected]

There are far too many accidents involving cyclists on our busy roads and streets in the Tri-Valley and Bay Area. Whether it was someone's fault or not, a life was abruptly and unnecessarily lost. I for one think it is becoming more dangerous and even life threatening to ride bikes during heavy traffic periods. I have a friend who rides and says it has become more risky with increased vehicle traffic and they are reconsidering this sport hobby and may give it up entirely. It is even dangerous on the Iron Horse Trail where many ride too fast. Biker beware!

STOP DRIVING CARS! Cars kill human beings and the exhaust causes global warming which is killing our planet! Ride a bicycle instead, and protest US oil wars! Even a small reduction in the amount of time spent driving can make a big difference in saving someone's life and saving the planet! Bicyclists are the angels, martyrs, and saints watching over the madness of motorists who stray from Christ's narrow way.

Distracted (texting) driving is a worse offense than DUI in my opinion cause even though your reactions are slower while DUI, at least your eyes are on the road. The punishments are not strong enough to discourage distracted driving yet. Alternatively, stop giving out licenses to kill to kids..........I heard it was a 16 year old girl from witnesses at the scene.

Hi Geoff,

It's been 20 days, what's the update?

Good morning,

Thanks for the question James. The current status of the case is that the preliminary investigation is complete. At this point there are two things which still need to happen before a final ruling can be made.

First would be the results of the toxicology tests. As a standard procedure in accidents of this sort, a toxicology test must be performed. Once we receive the results of the test, then the investigation results will be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office. Any charges that would be filed would come from the DA's office.

We appreciate that the community is waiting to hear regarding this case, and we are grateful for everyone's patience.

Thanks!

Geoff

Geoff Gillette
Public Information Coordinator
Town of Danville
(925) 314-3336
[email protected]

Hi Geoff,

Thank you for the quick response. just kinda frustrating how there's no information from Danville Police Department being shared. Her name and etc. I have known George Kaufer.
for over 15 years. He was one of the great guys. Great husband, father friend and a powerhouse in his community. encouraging and equipping and serving others. He was in great spirits and health the day of the accident I was rear-ended on Bollinger Canyon Road at a complete stop by a 20-year-old girl doing 45 miles an hour in her parents Volvo station wagon. She was texting when she rear-ended me. I saw it coming ...I couldn't move out of traffic... slight concussion by the grace of God I walked away.

Hi James,

I can understand your frustration with waiting for information being released (especially considering your own experiences). As I mentioned in another post, as a policy, we don't release the name of the driver in an accident unless a citation has been issued.

I appreciate your perspective on Mr. Kaufer and our thoughts are certainly with his family and friends. When the investigation is completed and any citations are issued, we will certainly update the community.

Thanks again.

Geoff

Geoff Gillette
Public Information Coordinator
Town of Danville
(925) 314-3336
[email protected]

Roger that... You're doing a great job Geoff...PIC is your gifting!

Blessings, James

Personally I do not see why you would need to know the name of the person who kit and killed the cyclist. It is not going to chane things or bring anyone back. All your going to do is hurt the family not directly involved. Let the judicial system do its job and justice will prevail. You that want to know need to focus on how you can help to make our community a safer place and do something about that. Being ignorant, non compassionate, bullying, aggressive, hurtfull etc gets you nothing in return so use your energy for the positive.

I agree with Debora. The only facts that might be helpful is if drinking, texting, etc. was involved to focus on those issues, not on the driver. If she is guilty of anything, the justice system will take care of that; whereas, if she is not, then she should be left alone as we all have the presumption of innocence and lynch mobs were outlawed long ago!!!!

We all have to share the road, I was extremely scare a couple of weeks ago driving from Blackhawk towards Danville. There was a group of cyclist riding and they crowded my lane, yelled at me and my young son at a stop light. Tried to cut in front of me at the stop light - a few bad riders make a bad name for all. Most of the cyclist I have seen don't stop at stop signs in neighborhoods and believe they are above the rules of the road... I am not saying this is what happened and I am sorry for the lives that will be forever changed... But remember is just isn't you on the road.

I've known George for 10 years and always found him to be a decent, fair and amicable person. From speaking with one of George's closest friends I can tell you these facts: 1. the driver was a young female, 24 years of age. 2. She apparently was speeding. 3. She "ran" a red light. 4. She was "texting" at the time of the accident. Such a sad story played out all to often, some person in an unnecessary hurry, while operating a motor vehicle, can't take the time to pull-over and communicate safely and the result is that a good man on a bike ride loses his life. So sad for his wife and daughters and so dammed unnecessary...requiescat in pace Mr. Kaufer, I'm glad I was able to call you friend...

Looks like the driver's friends and family are jumping in on the blog… Deborah and Douglas… hmmm...I wonder... Terrible. Can't we remember that a co-worker, father, husband and friend was killed?

Community safer...REALLY?!? Danville is statistically one of the top 100 whitest, safest neighborhoods in the US… How about some empathy and loving for the family who just lost a father & husband? Instead, you're trying to 'defend' the driver in news blog posts?

Who's inspiring 'outlawed' lynch mobs? Look who's being ignorant, non-compassionate, and verbally a bully. Right: Let's forget the family & let's worry about bullying and a safer community - that's being ignorant. What if one of your family members on a Tuesday at 4:30 PM disappeared? How would you respond and 'use your energy for the positive"? Danville elitist!

Tim, from Dublin

I reviewed many of the comments on this subject and frankly I'm concern about the attitude of the motorist towards cyclists on the road given this situation.

Yes, all users of the roadways should respect the Rules of The Roads and its laws. However, we know that many users of the roadways do not. If a cyclist or a group of cyclist fail to stop at a stop sign or ride close or over the bike lane line it is not open season for motorist towards cyclist. I would like those motorist to attempt to keep a few things in mind when a cyclist is on the roadways: 1. A cyclist wants to be seen by all users of the road, this is one reason why cyclist will ride close to the outside of the bike lane. The widest point of a cyclist when viewed from the front or the rear is about 22 inches and that is only at the shoulder and/or the hip area. A single cyclist may blend in with the surroundings if in the inside of the bike lane. 2. The speed limit is posted with the safe speed to operate and handle a motor vehicle in a particular area. In a event of an emergency one should be able to adjust the speed to accommodate cyclist or and any debris on the roadways. 3. Motorist what damage or harm will you suffer if a cyclist hit your vehicle moving 15 to 20 mph? Now think about what damage and harm you will cause if you hit a cyclist. If you will slow down to avoid hitting ducks, squirrels, wild turkeys or a deer in the roadways, can you slow down to avoid cyclist?

Hi Geoff
What's the latest?

Good afternoon,

Sorry for the delay in responding. The Danville PD completed their investigation and passed it on to the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office. The DA's office then makes the decision on what, if any, charges are filed.

Unfortunately, until the DA's office releases charges, I am unable to release any further information as it has passed outside our sphere of responsibility.

It is possible to contact the DA's office directly to see if they are releasing any charges or plan to put out a press release. The main number for the Contra Costa Co DA is (925) 957-2200.

Thanks for asking, sorry I don't have more to share yet.

Geoff


Geoff Gillette
Public Information Coordinator
Town of Danville
(925) 314-3336
[email protected]

Has the DA completed his review?
When can we expect to learn what the investigation report contains?
As a bicyclist who passes that intersection often, I'm reminded of Georges untimely death and whether anything has been resolved with regards to cause and consequence.

Thank you for your message, MJW. The DA's Office completed its review, and police announced earlier this month that the driver was charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in connection with this crash. She has pleaded not guilty. Read more in our story: Web Link