Police identify man killed by hit-and-run driver in west Santa Rosa

Police have identified the pedestrian believed to have been struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver Saturday night in west Santa Rosa and are asking for the public's help in identifying and locating the suspect car and driver.

Mathew Thomas Eck, 37, of Santa Rosa, was hit just north of the intersection of Stony Point and Occidental roads while crossing the street, police said Monday.

The car is described as a white compact sedan, “possibly with a spoiler, similar to a Honda Prelude body style,” according to a police statement. The car was last seen heading west on Occidental Road and is thought to have major front-end damage.

A passing driver, who came upon Eck's body in the street in front of Round Table Pizza on Occidental Road, called 911 shortly before 9:20 p.m. Saturday, police said.

Surveillance video from Round Table Pizza showed the small, white car stopped by the body for 10 to 20 seconds. Police Sgt. Summer Gloeckner said Saturday the driver of the car then drove around the body, through the Round Table parking lot and out the other exit.

Eck, who police think was homeless, was thrown several hundred feet from the point of impact and ended up near the driveway of Round Table Pizza. Eck listed himself on Facebook as having attended Maria Carrillo High School in Santa Rosa and Santa Rosa Junior College.

Anyone with information related to the collision should call Santa Rosa Police Officer Kenny Ferrigno at 707-543-3636.

Staff Writer Kevin Fixler contributed to this report.