Crime

Man struck by train in Merced identified

By Sun-Star Staff
Merced police respond to the scene after a man was struck and killed by a train on R Street between 15th and 16th Streets in Merced on Thursday. According to Merced police Sgt. Robert Solis, the man, who was walking southbound on R Street, continued to cross the train tracks after a witness warned him of the oncoming train.
Merced police respond to the scene after a man was struck and killed by a train on R Street between 15th and 16th Streets in Merced on Thursday. According to Merced police Sgt. Robert Solis, the man, who was walking southbound on R Street, continued to cross the train tracks after a witness warned him of the oncoming train. Andrew Kuhn akuhn@mercedsunstar.com

A man killed earlier this week when he was struck by a train in Merced has been identified by the Merced County Coroner’s Office.

Juan Topete, 50, died around 5:30 p.m. Thursday crossing the train tracks on R Street, between 15th and 16th streets in Merced, according to authorities.

Police said alcohol appears to have been a factor in the incident.

Witnesses told the police at least one person tried to wave Topete down to alert him to the oncoming train, but officers said he apparently did not notice the train before walking into its path.

Merced police said the incident should serve as a reminder to residents to be vigilant when crossing train tracks.

This story was originally published March 28, 2015 at 11:12 AM with the headline "Man struck by train in Merced identified."

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