Hit-And-Run Driver Critically Injures Santa Cruz Motorcyclist in Los Gatos Hwy 17 Crash

by Sheila Sanchez

A hit-and-run driver critically injured a Santa Cruz motorcyclist Tuesday afternoon after she pulled in front of him while traveling north on Highway 17 near Idylwild Road in Los Gatos.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:35 p.m. when the woman, driving a 1994 Ford, was attempting to cross and encountered the biker, identified as Michael Schaupp, traveling at normal traffic speed, the California Highway Patrol said in a news release.

The woman pulled directly in front of Schaupp and the two vehicles crashed throwing the motorcyclist 20 feet onto the west edge of southbound Highway 17, the CHP said.

After coming to a stop, however, the driver fled the scene on northbound Highway 17 toward Los Gatos and about five minutes later the Ford was located near the Bear Creek Road off ramp abandoned, the CHP added.

The driver's identity is unknown and Schaupp, who's hospitalized at Valley Medical Center, was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the CHP said.

Those who may have witnessed the crash are asked to contact the CHP at 408-467-5400. 

And this tweet from Jennifer Squires:

The motorcyclist hit on hwy 17 Tuesday died. He was a #santacruz musician. Info/donations for services: http://www.gofundme.com/5pj9h0  via @gofundme