Friday, October 23, 2026·Focal News

The San Francisco Focal

San Francisco's independent voice

Local

CHP investigates fatal I-80 crash involving Tesla in Full Self-Driving mode

A 71-year-old man, identified as Domingo Gonzales, was killed after a Tesla struck him near the I-780 interchange in Solano County. The San Francisco driver said the vehicle’s Full Self-Driving feature was engaged; investigators have not cited him, but charges remain possible.

CHP investigates fatal I-80 crash involving Tesla in Full Self-Driving mode

A 71-year-old man was fatally struck by a Tesla early Thursday while crossing westbound Interstate 80 near the Interstate 780 interchange in Solano County, the California Highway Patrol said. The Tesla driver told investigators the car was operating in Full Self-Driving mode.

The crash happened at about 2:30 a.m. CHP said dash-camera footage showed the man, identified by the Solano County Coroner’s Office as Domingo Gonzales, entering the freeway from the right shoulder as the Tesla traveled about 70 mph. The car braked and moved left, but its right front struck him, according to the agency. At least one other vehicle then hit Gonzales while he was on the roadway, CHP said. Responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

The 26-year-old driver, a San Francisco resident, stopped, cooperated with officers and provided the dash-camera footage, CHP said. He was not cited. Officer Scott Heitman said charges could be considered by the district attorney if the investigation finds the driver acted negligently and caused the collision. Authorities said other drivers involved did not stop.

The fatality comes less than two weeks after another Solano County crash involving a Tesla with Full Self-Driving engaged. On Oct. 13, a 22-year-old Sacramento man told investigators he had fallen asleep while using the system, CHP said, before his Tesla drove through safety cones and struck a patrol car near Fairfield. Two officers were injured. The driver was not cited in that incident, CHP said.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system can steer and change lanes, but drivers are required to monitor the road and be ready to take control. CHP was investigating Thursday’s crash and asked witnesses or anyone with information about the other vehicles to contact its Solano Area office.

More from The San Francisco Focal