Accident in Butte County leads to coroner’s investigation and theft investigation after man dies and vehicle is stolen

BUTTE COUNTY, California — The Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BSCO) is conducting a coroner’s examination and auto theft investigation following the death of a man in Oroville.

BCSO says their officers responded to a coroner’s inquest at the intersection of Miners Ranch Road and Mount Ida Road on May 14. The initial investigation led officers to believe the deceased, 26-year-old Jamie Gallegos, was in the roadway when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle that struck Mr. Gallegos stopped after the crash and remained at the scene until police arrived.

According to BSCO, during the coroner’s investigation, there was reason to believe that Gallegos’ vehicle may have been stolen by three of his accomplices without his consent.

“Mr. Gallegos was with these three colleagues an hour before the accident,” BSCO said. “Investigators have spent the last month conducting an extensive investigation. During the investigation, numerous people were interviewed, video surveillance footage was obtained and approximately 25 reports were written.”

BSCO said a coroner performed an autopsy and a report detailed the cause of death.

Investigators met with the Butte County Assistant District Attorney regarding allegations that Mr. Gallegos’ vehicle was taken without his consent; this case remains under investigation.