Chase Allen Cancilla, a 21-year-old man from Antioch suspected of involvement in a dangerous sideshow, has been charged with a four-count complaint. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges following an incident that left one woman in critical condition and another vehicle submerged in the San Joaquin River.
The sideshow, a form of reckless street performance typically involving cars performing stunts, took place at the Marina Plaza around 2:50 a.m. Cancilla is alleged to have driven away from the plaza at high speed, subsequently crashing into another car at West 9th Street and G Street.
In addition to the woman critically injured, another individual was harmed in the incident. Cancilla allegedly attempted to flee the scene post-crash but was apprehended and arrested by a police officer.
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diane Becton stressed the risks posed by sideshows to both participants and the wider public, affirming the District Attorney’s Office’s commitment to prosecuting offenses related to such activities under California law.
Cancilla now faces two felony counts of reckless driving on a highway causing injuries, with enhancements for inflicting great bodily harm. He has also been charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury and a misdemeanor for operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
Arraigned in court on Wednesday, Cancilla’s bail has been set at $191,000. This case underscores the crucial importance of safe driving practices and the serious legal consequences that can ensue from reckless behavior on the road.