Paul Pelosi, the 86-year-old husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, faces a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge following a July collision with a parked vehicle in Napa County, California. The Napa County District Attorney announced the charge on Friday.
The incident occurred on July 3 in Yountville. Pelosi allegedly struck the parked car and left the scene, leaving the vehicle with what authorities described as major damage. No one was inside the struck vehicle at the time of impact.
In addition to the hit-and-run charge, Pelosi was cited for an infraction related to making an unlawful turn. His arraignment is scheduled for August 14.
The Pelosi family released a statement acknowledging the incident. A spokesperson said Paul apologized to the vehicle's owner and took responsibility for the damages.
The District Attorney's office explicitly stated that Pelosi is not being charged with driving under the influence, despite his history. The statement said no evidence indicated he was impaired at the time of the crash, and prosecutors have an ethical obligation to file only charges provable beyond a reasonable doubt.
Body camera footage from the scene will remain sealed until the case concludes to protect Pelosi's right to a fair trial if the matter proceeds that far.
Public records reveal a pattern of traffic violations stretching back more than a decade. Citations on file include running a red light, a stop sign violation, and driving to the left of double yellow lines.
In 2022, Pelosi pleaded guilty to misdemeanor driving under the influence after a separate crash in Napa County. Highway Patrol officers noted his slurred speech and smelled alcohol on him at that time. He received a five-day jail sentence and three years of probation.
Author James Rodriguez: "The contrast between this case and the 2022 DUI conviction raises questions about what evidence prosecutors are actually working with here."
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