Alameda County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher killed in drunk driving crash

Antoinette Finau, an emergency services dispatcher, died after a suspected driver crashed into her vehicle while under the influence of alcohol on Sunday evening. She was on her way to work, police said (Photo: Alameda County Sheriff’s Office).

(KRON) – A woman was killed after a suspected drunk driver plowed into her car Sunday evening, the San Leandro Police Department (SLPD) said. The accident occurred at the intersection of E. 14th Street and 150th Avenue in San Leandro around 11:14 p.m.

According to SLPD, the suspected driver, under the influence of alcohol, crashed into the victim’s car, which was broadsided and caused it to roll over. She was taken to hospital where she later died.

The victim was Antoinette Finau, emergency dispatcher for the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Finau was on his way to work when the accident occurred, SLPD said.

“She died a senseless and tragic death at the hands of a drunk driver,” the sheriff’s office wrote in part in a Facebook post.

“We will remember Antoinette as someone who lived her life to the fullest and touched the hearts of those around her,” the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) said in a Facebook post. “Although her time with us was short (almost three years), Antoinette left her mark on our agency with her sweet nature, her kind heart, her warm smile and her pride in being the voice on the other end of a cry for help. She was a loving mother, a sister, a daughter and a friend to many. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends. Rest well, Antoinette. We will miss you.”

The driver of the suspect vehicle was not injured. She was arrested for driving under the influence and taken to jail, SLPD said.

“The San Leandro Police Department extends our condolences to the victim’s family and the men and women of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office,” said SLPD Lt. Jeffrey Walton. “This is a tragic loss of life and a painful reminder of the dangers of driving while impaired.”

On Monday, police departments across the East Bay and members of Finau’s family escorted her body in a long procession to Oakland, ACSO said.