72-Year-Old Danville Man Arrested On Vehicular Manslaughter Charges

DANVILLE, CA — A 72-year-old Danville resident was arrested on charges of felony vehicular manslaughter, according to the Danville Police Department.

Andrew Chao was arrested in connection with a March 2025 collision, police said. On March 1 at around 1:15 p.m., officers responded to a fatal traffic collision at the intersection of Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Ramon. A minivan and a truck were involved in a collision, which sent a pickup truck rolling a number of times, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney.

The passenger in the truck, a 57-year-old woman from San Leandro, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the three other passengers were injured, the DA said. The driver of the minivan sustained minor injuries.

Following a monthlong investigation, Danville Police Department detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa D.A.'s office, which filed one charge of vehicular felony against Chao due to an "unlawful act in the roadway with gross negligence." Danville police do not believe that drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.

An arrest warrant was issued, and Chao was taken into custody Friday afternoon. He is being held on a $50,000 bail at the Martinez Detention Facility and was arraigned Monday afternoon.