Paul Pelosi could face charge after Napa Valley crash in Yountville

Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, could face a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge after authorities say he struck a parked vehicle in Napa County wine country and drove away before his damaged car became disabled nearby, as first reported by KCRA TV in Sacramento.

The incident happened Friday afternoon in Yountville, a popular Napa Valley destination, according to the Napa County Sheriff's Office. No injuries were reported, but officials said the parked vehicle suffered major damage.

As of Saturday, no formal charges had been announced by the Napa County District Attorney's Office.

A spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi's office did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.

Here's what ton know about the incident and Paul Pelosi.

Paul Pelosi accused of leaving scene after Napa County crash

According to the Napa County Sheriff's Office, a witness called 911 around 2:30 p.m. Friday after seeing a brown convertible traveling north on Yount Street strike an unoccupied parked vehicle.

The witness told dispatchers the driver briefly stopped before driving away.

Deputies later located a damaged brown convertible partially blocking Yountville Cross Road. Authorities identified the driver as Paul Pelosi, 86.

Investigators said the front-right side of Pelosi's vehicle had significant damage consistent with damage found on the parked car. Pelosi reportedly told deputies he knew he had hit something but did not know what he struck and continued driving until his vehicle became disabled.

Sheriff's officials said Pelosi was not arrested at the scene, noting that such cases are commonly handled as misdemeanors. The department is recommending a misdemeanor charge of fleeing the scene of an accident involving property damage.

Authorities also said Pelosi was tested, and DUI is not suspected.

Who is Paul Pelosi?

Paul Pelosi is a San Francisco businessman, investor and real estate developer who has been married to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi since 1963.

While Nancy Pelosi spent decades representing San Francisco in Congress and became the first woman to serve as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Paul Pelosi has largely remained outside the political spotlight, focusing on business ventures and investments.

The Pelosis have long been among California's most recognizable political families, with deep ties to San Francisco and national Democratic politics.

Paul Pelosi previously made headlines in 2022 after pleading guilty to misdemeanor DUI charges stemming from a Napa County crash. He was sentenced to probation, ordered to complete a drinking-driver program and pay fines and restitution.

The 2022 hammer attack at the Pelosis' San Francisco home

The latest incident comes nearly four years after Paul Pelosi survived a violent attack at the couple's San Francisco residence.

In October 2022, an intruder broke into the Pelosis' Pacific Heights home while Nancy Pelosi was in Washington, D.C. Authorities said the suspect was searching for the then-House Speaker and attacked Paul Pelosi with a hammer.

Paul Pelosi suffered a skull fracture and other serious injuries and was hospitalized following the assault.

The attack drew national attention, prompted increased security concerns for elected officials and their families, and became a major political flashpoint. Pelosi later underwent surgery and recovered from his injuries.

The assailant was subsequently prosecuted in federal and state court.

What California law says about hit-and-run crashes

California drivers involved in crashes that cause property damage are generally required to stop, exchange information and make a reasonable effort to locate the owner of a damaged vehicle if it is unattended.

Leaving the scene of a property-damage collision can result in misdemeanor charges, fines and other penalties.

In Pelosi's case, Napa County authorities said no one was injured. The sheriff's office is recommending a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge based on allegations that he departed the scene after striking the parked vehicle.

Officials also said they are submitting a referral to the California Department of Motor Vehicles for a driver re-evaluation, a common procedure for elderly drivers following incidents that raise potential safety concerns.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paul Pelosi could face charge after Napa Valley crash in Yountville

Reporting by James Ward, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 10:28 AM.