San Jose: Deadly hit and run investigated as city’s first homicide of 2024

SAN JOSE — A man was intentionally run down and killed by a driver Wednesday in North San Jose, which detectives are investigating as the city’s first homicide of the year, police said. The deadly collision was reported at 5:47 p.m. near Descanso Drive and North First Street, where a stretch of luxury apartment complexes are located.

Police say responding officers, who were told that a hit and run occurred there, found a man with life threatening injuries. Attempts to resuscitate the injured man were unsuccessful, and he died at the scene, police said. He was identified by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner Coroner’s Office as Erik Duran, 25, of San Jose.

A police news release Thursday stated that “preliminary evidence indicated the collision to be an intentional act by the driver.” An “unknown suspect” left the area before officers arrived at the site, the release said. The motive and circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, according to police.

No additional details were released. Anyone with information for investigators can contact the SJPD homicide unit at 408 277 5283 or email Detective Sgt. Ivan Barragan at or Detective Catherine Van Brande at . Tips can also be left with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408 947 7867 or at ..