Suspect charged in wrong-way Fremont crash that killed pedestrian
FREMONT — A Sunnyvale man has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter in connection with a May 3 crash that happened while he was allegedly driving the wrong way down a city street while drunk.
Hung Vuu, 59, has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in the crash that killed 26-year-old Taniela Finau Hafoka Malekamu, of Oakland. An online fundraiser for Hafoka Malekamu says the father of three was killed while “heroically” pushing a co-worker out of harm’s way as Vuu drove down the wrong side of the road.
Vuu pleaded not guilty at a Dec. 5 court hearing. He has been released on $150,000 bail, court records show.
Police say the crash occurred at around 11:30 p.m. on May 3, near Industrial Drive and Fremont Boulevard in Fremont. At least three vehicles reportedly swerved out of Vuu’s way as he careened down Fremont Boulevard, then eventually struck a sidewalk, killing Hafoka Malekamu.
Vuu’s Honda Accord continued another 1,000 feet and only came to a rest because it struck a light pole, according to police. Prosecutors have not filed hit and run charges against him.
Police smelled alcohol and Vuu’s person and arrested him that night, but he wasn’t charged for another five months, court records show.
While out on bail Vuu has been ordered not to consume alcohol and to wear an electronic monitor device equipped with an alcohol monitor, court records show. A trial date has not yet been set.
Hafoka Malekamu’s online fundraiser describes him as a father of three who was expecting a fourth child when he was killed.
“Finau has always been a selfless man who always goes above and beyond for others, and is our hero,” the page says.