Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, faces a possible misdemeanor hit-and-run charge after authorities say he struck a legally parked, unoccupied vehicle in Yountville on Friday and drove away before deputies stopped him. Deputies report
By Friday afternoon, Paul Pelosi’s drive through California’s Napa Valley had already taken an unexpected turn. Authorities say the 86-year-old struck a legally parked, unoccupied vehicle in the town of Yountville, then left the scene before being stopped by deputies.
The Napa County Sheriff’s Office says the incident happened in Yountville. when Pelosi was allegedly driving his brown Maserati convertible and hit the parked vehicle. Witnesses told investigators Pelosi briefly stopped after the collision. but then continued driving—about a quarter-mile—before his vehicle became disabled.
The parked vehicle was left with what authorities described as “major” damage. No injuries were reported.
Deputies who responded to the scene said Pelosi showed no signs of alcohol impairment. Investigators also did not arrest him because the incident did not involve injuries or suspected intoxication. Pelosi reportedly told deputies he knew he had struck “something. ” but said he was unsure what it was before continuing to drive.
The legal question now shifts to what happened after the impact—specifically. whether Pelosi’s decision to leave without exchanging information or notifying authorities meets California’s threshold for a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge. The sheriff’s office has recommended that the Napa County District Attorney’s Office consider filing a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge.
Under California law, leaving the scene of a property-damage-only collision without exchanging information or notifying authorities can result in misdemeanor penalties if charges are filed.
Separately. because of Pelosi’s age. the sheriff’s office submitted a request to the California Department of Motor Vehicles to conduct a driver reexamination. The DMV process evaluates whether a motorist remains medically fit to drive. Authorities did not indicate the referral was related to impairment or a medical emergency.
It is not the first time Pelosi has faced alcohol-related legal scrutiny in connection with a Napa County crash. The incident comes four years after Pelosi pled guilty to driving under the influence following a 2022 crash in Napa County. He was sentenced to probation. ordered to complete an alcohol education program. and required to install an ignition interlock device in his vehicle. The district attorney’s office will now review the case and determine whether to file formal charges.
For now, the sheriff’s office’s recommendation keeps the focus on a single, stark point: a property-damage crash in the Napa Valley that ended with deputies stopping Pelosi, after he reportedly continued driving for about a quarter-mile even though witnesses say he knew he had hit something.
Paul Pelosi Nancy Pelosi Napa Valley Yountville hit-and-run misdemeanor Napa County District Attorney California DMV driver reexamination Maserati convertible DUI probation ignition interlock
So it’s a hit-and-run but no injuries… ok sure.
I don’t get why he “wasn’t arrested” if he left the scene. Like what, property damage doesn’t count? Seems like rules only apply to regular people.
Wait he hit a parked car and drove off quarter mile?? That’s literally hit-and-run tho. Also the article says he didn’t seem drunk, but he still shouldn’t be able to just roll away. How is that even a question for DA?
Everybody acting shocked like he didn’t know what he did… he’s 86 right? I heard somewhere older folks should retake the driving test, like the DMV thing. But also, if he supposedly didn’t know what he hit, then is it really “his fault”? idk, sounds like they’re trying to decide if the leaving part is worse than the crash.