Judge Orders Trial for San Luis Obispo Hit-and-Run
Ishan Pandhare will face five criminal counts following a collision that injured three pedestrians in San Luis Obispo.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Sex Crimes
A San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge ruled that Ishan Pandhare must face trial on multiple felony charges, including driving under the influence, after a January 8 hit-and-run incident. The collision, which occurred in San Luis Obispo, left two pedestrians with major injuries.
Why it matters
The court's ruling establishes that there is sufficient evidence for the criminal case to proceed to trial on all five counts. This legal process addresses the severe injuries sustained by victims and the broader public safety concerns regarding reckless driving.
Judge Rita Federman ruled that evidence supports a criminal trial for all five counts. Pandhare previously pleaded not guilty to all charges and currently remains free after posting $150,000 bail.
The players
Ishan Pandhare
He is a 20-year-old former Cal Poly student facing multiple felony charges related to a vehicular collision.
Rita Federman
She is the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge presiding over the criminal proceedings.
Cal Poly
This is the public university where the defendant was previously enrolled before his suspension.
The details
The defendant allegedly struck three pedestrians with a Tesla Model 3 before fleeing the scene, with one witness testifying that a victim was launched 20 to 30 feet into the air. Pandhare, a 20-year-old student who was suspended from Cal Poly, faces three felony counts for DUI and hit-and-run, alongside misdemeanor and infraction charges.
Timeline
January 8: The collision occurred in San Luis Obispo.
February 2026: Pandhare pleaded not guilty to all charges.
October 19, 2026: A preliminary hearing was held for the DUI case.
December 2, 2026: The next scheduled court hearing for Pandhare.
Legal Context
The proceedings against Pandhare reflect broader legal trends in California regarding the prosecution of severe vehicular crimes. Cases involving DUI and hit-and-run causing injury are subject to strict penal codes, often resulting in significant criminal consequences for defendants.
The incident has drawn significant local attention given the severity of the collision and its impact on the pedestrians involved. Residents and local businesses remain closely linked to the legal developments as the case moves forward through the court system.
The takeaway
The court decision underscores the ongoing legal accountability for those involved in serious vehicle-related accidents. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant regarding traffic safety and awareness in high-traffic pedestrian areas.
What happens next
The court has scheduled the next hearing for Pandhare on December 2, 2026.
Further reading
For additional context, visit Sex Crimes in San Luis Obispo.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tribune.
