Oakland man charged with crashing car into man on wheelchair, leaving victim for dead

OAKLAND — A suspect has been arrested and charged for allegedly crashing hit car into a man on a motorized wheelchair , then running away as the victim lay dying.

James Smith, 61, has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash, and having nine prior felonies since 1988. Prosecutors say he has priors for robbery and shooting, which would make this Smith’s third strike if he’s convicted.

On the morning of May 4, Smith allegedly crashed his Mazda into Elmo Ballard Jr., 49, near 18th Street San Pablo Avenue, pinning Ballard and his wheelchair underneath the car. Then Smith ran from the area, stripping off his baseball cap and jacket as he fled, authorities said.

Ballard was pronounced dead at a hospital that day, authorities said.

Surveillance cameras captured