Driver killed in fatal collision northeast of Dos Palos, CHP says

A woman is dead following a fatal collision northeast of Dos Palos on Tuesday, according to authorities.

Officers responded at 8:57 p.m. to a report of an injury traffic collision at 6902 Carmellia Avenue, east of Palm Avenue in Merced County, according to a California Highway Patrol news release.

During an investigation, officers determined that a 37-year-old Dos Palos woman was driving eastbound on Carmellia Avenue east of Palm Avenue in a 2005 Chrysler at a speed of about 45 to 50 mph before coming to a stop in the eastbound lane, according to the CHP.

Authorities said Carlton Tolbert, 39, of Dos Palos, was driving eastbound in a 1998 Jeep behind the Chrysler. When the Chrysler came to a stop, Tolbert moved left over the broken line which separates eastbound and westbound traffic to pass the Chrysler, according to the CHP.

As Tolbert approached, the Chrysler reportedly made a left turn directly in front of the Jeep. Authorities said the front of the Jeep struck the Chrysler on the left side. The Chrysler then struck a parked 2013 Chevrolet Camaro which was pushed into a parked 2001 Carson trailer that was 28-feet long, the CHP said.

Authorities said the Chrysler then struck a tree. According to to the CHP, this collision resulted in fatal injuries to driver.

The collision remains under investigation and neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be a factor in the collision, according to the CHP.

This story was originally published September 30, 2020 at 11:32 AM.