A person of interest was detained as detectives examined the vehicle’s path, possible impairment and other unanswered circumstances surrounding the collision.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento police are investigating how a vehicle struck a father and his 1-year-old daughter near St. Mary Cemetery on Sunday, leaving the girl dead and the man injured as detectives work to establish the circumstances of the crash.
The investigation began after officers were sent to the 6700 block of 21st Avenue at about 4:45 p.m. Nov. 1 for a reported collision involving pedestrians. Both victims were transported to a hospital. Police initially said the child had life-threatening injuries before authorities later confirmed that she died despite lifesaving efforts.
Her father suffered moderate injuries, according to the latest available information. Police have not publicly provided further details about his medical condition. The child’s name had not been released pending notification of relatives by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.
The person believed to have been driving remained at the scene, and police later detained a person of interest while investigators sought to determine that person’s role in the collision. No charges had been announced, and authorities had not said that the detained person was responsible for a crime.
One of the central unanswered questions is whether impairment contributed to the crash. Police said driving under the influence had not been confirmed as a factor. Investigators had not released test results or other evidence establishing whether alcohol or drugs were involved.
Authorities also had not provided a detailed account of how the vehicle came into contact with the father and daughter. Initial local reports placed the collision near St. Mary Cemetery, while accounts differed over whether the impact itself occurred on cemetery property or on the adjoining roadway.
The Sacramento Police Department’s Major Collision Investigation Unit and crime scene investigators were assigned to the case. Investigators were working to establish a timeline and determine what happened immediately before the vehicle struck the pedestrians.
Police had not released the driver’s name, the type of vehicle involved or information about its speed or direction of travel before the collision. Authorities also had not publicly announced whether any traffic violation, mechanical problem or other circumstance contributed to the crash.
The case remained active Monday. Investigators were continuing to examine the evidence while the coroner’s office handled formal identification of the child. Any decision on possible charges would depend on what investigators determine about the collision and the person of interest’s involvement.
Author note: Last updated November 2, 2026.