Woman, toddler killed in suspected DUI crash in Merced County, CHP says
Two people were killed Sunday night, including a toddler by a suspected DUI driver in Merced County.
Officers responded to the collision in the area of Southern Pacific and Commerce avenues, involving a pick-up truck and sedan and found a 20-year-old woman and a 3-year-old, both of Atwater who were unresponsive.
Officers gave CPR, but the 20 year old died at the scene and the 3-year-old was pronounced dead at Mercy Medical Center in Merced. The driver of the truck was later captured by officers and placed in handcuffs.
Officers said a 19-year-old man of Catheys Valley was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up eastbound on Southern Pacific Avenue at a high-rate of speed, approaching the posted stop sign at Commerce. A 17-year-old was driving a 2025 Honda Civic Westbound on Southern Pacific Avenue and came to a stop at Commerce Avenue.
When the 17-year-old made a left turn onto southbound Commerce, the 19-year-old failed to stop and the front of the truck crashed into the passenger side of the Honda, CHP said.
CHP continued to say the force of the impact ripped the front and rear passenger side doors of the Honda, causing the 20-year-old woman to be ejected from the Honda.
CHP said the 17-year-old and 18-year-old right front passenger exited their vehicle to help the 17 year old and the toddler.
The suspected DUI driver exited the truck and fled the scene before he was placed under arrest on suspicion of DUI and also charged with felony hit-and run and vehicular manslaughter.
The 17 and 18-year-old had minor injuries but declined treatment, CHP said.
This story was originally published June 2, 2025 at 1:22 PM.
