Police make arrest in Atwater crash that killed 8-year-old girl and 26-year-old man

The Atwater Police Department has made an arrest in connection with a 2023 traffic collision that killed a 26-year-old man and an 8-year-old girl.

Raul Covarrubias, 25, of Los Banos, was arrested by Los Banos Police officers Tuesday and turned over to the Atwater Police Department, according to police. He was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony driving under the influence causing bodily injury and murder, according to jail records.

Atwater police officers responded about 12:10 a.m. on Aug. 26, 2023, to a report of an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Buhach Road and Green Sands Avenue. Authorities said the two-vehicle collision involved a white Acura sedan and a silver Toyota Corolla. Multiple occupants in the vehicles were transported to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries.

Authorities said two passengers in the Toyota, Joshua Hitto, 26, of Stockton, and an 8-year-old girl died at the scene.

Atwater Police Chief Michael Salvador declined to release additional details about the collision Wednesday and said the investigation is ongoing.

“That case has now gone to the District Attorney’s Office for an arraignment,” he said.

Salvador said the police department is going to request two counts of murder, one for each of the deceased.

“Our investigation is as complete as possible for right now. Any other follow up information we would still take if it came. It’s gone to the DA’s office for the charging request,” he said.

According to police no other suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with the collision.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Atwater Police Department at 209-357-6384.