SUV sought in connection with Oakland fatal hit-and-run
OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland police are searching for a Toyota RAV4 in connection with a hit-and-run that killed a homeless woman.
The Oakland Police Department on Wednesday released photos of the white SUV that is tied to its fatal hit-and-run case.
Police suspect that the Toyota RAV4 was the second vehicle that struck 59-year-old Kim May Barranco on the 300 block of San Pablo Avenue on Jan. 9.
The police department is working to identify the driver.
Images were previously released showing
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Barranco was beloved by those who knew her.
Family and friends said despite being homeless, she served volunteered at a nonprofit to help others.
KTVU obtained surveillance videos of the crash.
Traffic Violence Rapid Response, a safety advocacy group held a vigil Wednesday evening to honor Barranco and to call on city officials to take action immediately to save lives.
Her family attended.
They said she struggled with substance abuse and was homeless.
But she remained in regular contact with her mother and three children.
"I feel lost, empty," her mother Sharon Wooten said,"Wondering what Ii will do now that I don't have her."
Barranco's youngest daughter BrieOnn May said of her mother,"She would always try to make me happy and do th best she can as a mother."
Barranco killed shortly before 1pm on January 9th.
Surveillance videos showed her in a long coat, walking when a dark colored SUV hits her from behind and knocked her to the ground.
Soon after, a second vehicle, a white Toyota Rav4 ran over her. .
Police released still photos of that vehicle -looking for help in identifying that driver.
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Her exuberance and love of life was captured on video.
She danced at the monthly community block party held by Serenity House, nonprofit that provides services to women, including domestic violence victims and the homeless.
Barranco volunteered for the group.
Those she worked with are putting together a tribute to her to express their gratitude for her service. .
"It's just a whole new feeling here without her presence and she's truly missed, " said Nicole Gardner, community outreach coordinator with Serenity House.
Barranco's family found solace in their grief as the community came together to honor a woman who strived to help others despite her own challenges.
They said she was about to graduate from Merritt College to become a substance abuse counselor.
"Seeing the impact on everyone, seeing them come together helps heal them and in turn, helps heal myself as well, " said Barranco's son Roman Barranco.
The family said they want those responsible to be held accountable.
City officials said there is a project in the works to improve safety along San Pablo Avenue.
But it will take years to complete.
Serenity House, a nonprofit organization that provides support services to women, has created a GoFundMe to help lay Barranco to rest.
Amber Lee is a reporter with KTVU. Email Amber at Amber.Lee@Fox.com or text/leave message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU.
A photo of the vehicle sought in connection to hit-and-run of Kim Barranco.