Paul Pelosi faces hit-and-run charge after allegedly crashing into parked vehicle

Paul Pelosi, the husband of U.S. congresswoman and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been charged with a misdemeanor hit-and-run offense following an alleged collision with a parked vehicle in early July. The Napa County District Attorney's office announced the charge on Friday.

Authorities stated that no one was in the struck car at the time of the incident, but the vehicle sustained "major" damage. A spokesperson for the Pelosi family issued a statement indicating that Paul Pelosi has apologized to the vehicle's owner and is accepting responsibility for the damage.

Pelosi, 86, is also facing an infraction for making an unlawful turn related to the July 3 incident in Yountville, California. His arraignment is scheduled for August 14. Representatives for Pelosi could not be immediately reached for comment.

Public records reveal a history of driving-related issues for Pelosi, with traffic infractions in California dating back at least to 2011. These include citations for running a red light, failing to stop at a stop sign, and driving across double yellow lines.

In 2022, Pelosi pleaded guilty to misdemeanor driving under the influence charges after a crash in Napa County. California Highway Patrol officers noted slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol at the time. He received a five-day jail sentence and three years of probation. The Napa County District Attorney's office clarified that Pelosi is not being charged with DUI in the recent incident, as no evidence suggests impairment. The office stated its ethical obligation is to file charges only when they can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt based on available evidence.

Body camera footage of the alleged hit-and-run will not be released to the public until the case concludes, to safeguard Pelosi's right to a fair trial.

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The district attorney’s office has an ethical obligation to file only those charges that can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt based on the available evidence.