Truck overturns in front yard of Merced home

A 19-year-old man was cited for driving without a license Friday after his truck overturned in the 1200 block of West 11th Street.

The incident was reported shortly after 9:30 p.m. after Jacinto Martinez lost control of his truck, overturning in the front yard of a residence.

Martinez claimed he was driving his Ford Ranger pickup eastbound on 11th Street when a car traveling westbound on 11th Street crossed over into his lane. Martinez told police he swerved to avoid a head-on collision with the other car, according to Lt. Bimley West.

The residents at the 11th Street home were inside their residence when Martinez crashed.

Police determined Martinez wasn't driving under the influence. His truck was impounded and he was given a citation.

During the investigation, police weren't able to locate any witnesses to substantiate Martinez's claim of another car being involved. Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to call Sgt. Jay Struble at (209) 385-4739 or the department's automated tip line at (209) 385-4725.

-- Victor A. Patton