California Woman Rams Alleged Porch Pirate with Her Car After Argument Over Suspected Theft.

A California woman has been arrested after a woman died as a result of their altercation in early December.

The ordeal began on Friday, December 8, 2023 when San Pablo police responded to an accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian just before 2:30 PM. Upon the arrival of first responders they found a 60-year-old woman suffering from major injuries sustained during what they presumed to be an accident.

According to the SPPD, officers quickly learned that the driver of the vehicle, identified as 39-year old Dene Blakely, had been involved in a verbal altercation with the victim regarding theft of packages prior to the collision. Blakely believed she recognized the victim as someone who had previously stolen a package from her residence, and confronted the victim as she walked in the 1100 block of Broadway Avenue. The altercation escalated and resulted in the subsequent collision. Based upon evidence gathered by SPPD officers and investigators, the collision was determined to be an intentional act of assault. Blakely was arrested on scene without incident, and was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on a felony charge of Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

On December 12, 2023, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed formal charges of Attempted Murder and Assault with a Deadly Weapon, following review of the criminal case.

The victim remained hospitalized and eventually succumbed to her injuries on December 23rd.

After the victim’s passing, the District Attorney’s Office amended the complaint to include a criminal Murder charge. On December 29, 2023, Blakely was arraigned on the amended charges and remains in-custody at the County Jail on a $1 million bail, according to jail records.