Driver fatally hits woman she accused of stealing packages, cops say

A driver accused of running down a 60 year old woman whom she accused of package theft faces a murder charge after the woman died of her injuries, California police said. Dene Blakely of San Pablo was arraigned Friday, Dec. 29, on amended charges of murder and assault with a deadly weapon, San Pablo police said in a news release.

Police said Blakely confronted the other woman, who was walking in her neighborhood, at about 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Blakely said she recognized the woman as someone who had earlier stolen a package from her porch, police said. As the argument escalated, Blakely hit the woman with her vehicle, sending her to a hospital in critical condition, police said.

Officers arrested Blakely. The 60 year old died of her injuries Dec. 23, leading to the amended charges for Blakely, who remains in police custody. Police ask anyone with information to call 510 215 3150. San Pablo is about 20 miles northeast of San Francisco..