Hit-and-Run Driver Crashes Into Fire Hydrant in San Luis Obispo

A vehicle struck a fire hydrant on South Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo on November 13, 2025, sending a geyser of water into the sky, the San Luis Obispo Police Department posted on social media.

Police described the incident as an “urban geyser,” noting the hydrant was hit near the DMV on South Higuera Street. 

The incident is being investigated as a hit and run, the police department added. 

Another urban geyser 😩 A hydrant was hit on S. Higuera by the DMV, this is being investigated as a hit and run. Thanks to @SLOUtilitiesDep and @SLOCityFire for the quick fix. pic.twitter.com/kHNZeYGqIB

— San Luis Obispo Police Department (@SLOCityPolice) November 13, 2025

Police shared images of the scene following the crash, which sent a fountain-like geyser of water several feet into the air and caused water to pool around the area. A police vehicle was also seen at the scene. 

The department thanked the San Luis Obispo Utilities and the City Fire Department for the “quick fix.”

The police department did not share information on any injuries or damages. 

The driver struck the hydrant just before 11 a.m. and fled the scene, said San Luis Obispo Police Department spokesperson Christine Wallace, according to a news report by The Tribune.

The San Luis Obispo City Department rushed to the scene to repair the fire hydrant as of 11:20 a.m., the report added. 

Similar Incidents in Past

There have been similar incidents of vehicles crashing into fire hydrants elsewhere in San Luis Obispo. In March 2025, an alleged drunk driver hit a fire hydrant near the intersection of Santa Rosa and Marsh streets, according to a social media post by the police department. 

While the driver sustained moderate injuries, there were no other reports of injuries or damages. 

Officers had considered filing DUI charges against the driver. 

In April 2024, a semi-truck struck a fire hydrant along California Boulevard in San Luis Obispo, according to a news report by Cal Coast News. A caller had reported the crash at the intersection of California Boulevard and Taft Street. 

The driver did not suffer any injuries. The fire hydrant was repaired by the City’s firefighters and utility workers, the report added. 

Under the California Vehicle Code, an individual who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. 

The penalty for reckless driving is imprisonment in a county jail for not less than five days nor more than 90 days or by a fine of not less than $145 nor exceeding $1,000, or by both fine and imprisonment, except as provided in Section 23104 or 23105.