Paul Pelosi Charged with Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run After Napa County Collision

Paul Pelosi, the 86-year-old husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run following a Friday afternoon traffic incident in Yountville, California.

The Napa County Sheriff’s Office reported that the collision occurred when Pelosi’s brown convertible struck an unoccupied parked vehicle before continuing northward. A witness observed the incident and contacted authorities. Deputies subsequently located the damaged convertible partially obstructing a nearby roadway, with Pelosi identified as the driver.

According to investigators, Pelosi told responding deputies that he was aware he had struck something but did not know what it was. He continued driving until his vehicle became disabled and could no longer proceed.

The sheriff’s office conducted a thorough investigation at the scene, including testing for alcohol involvement. Authorities administered a Preliminary Alcohol Screening Device test, which registered zero alcohol content. Driving under the influence was definitively ruled out as a contributing factor to the collision.

Deputies determined that Pelosi bore responsibility for the accident. However, he was not arrested at the scene, which the sheriff’s office indicated is standard procedure for this category of misdemeanor offense. The case will be forwarded to the Napa County District Attorney’s Office for review and potential prosecution.

In addition to the criminal referral, the sheriff’s office will submit a driver re-evaluation request to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Such referrals are routine practice when elderly drivers are involved in traffic incidents, regardless of fault or circumstances.

A spokesperson for the Pelosi family issued a statement acknowledging the incident and indicating that Paul Pelosi has personally apologized to the owner of the damaged vehicle. The spokesperson further stated that Pelosi has assured the vehicle’s owner he will accept full responsibility for the damages incurred.

The statement concluded by noting that former Speaker Pelosi would not be providing additional comment on what the family characterized as a private matter.

This incident marks the second time in recent years that Paul Pelosi has faced legal difficulties related to motor vehicle operation. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drunken driving causing injury following a May collision in Napa County.

The current case remains under review by prosecutors, who will determine whether formal charges will be filed. The misdemeanor hit-and-run statute in California requires drivers involved in any collision to stop at the scene and provide information, regardless of the severity of the damage or whether other parties are present.

Yountville, where the incident occurred, is located in the heart of California’s wine country, approximately one hour north of San Francisco.