CHP seeks public’s help in fatal hit-and-run investigation

California Highway Patrol investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify the driver in a fatal hit-and-run reported earlier this year.

“We’re hoping that anyone with any information, any knowledge of this incident will come forward,” CHP Officer Moises Onsurez said.

Maria Gloria Lemus-Gonzales, 43, of Delhi, died July 31 after her vehicle was struck head-on by a silver 2004 Ford F-250 pickup truck on El Capitan Way, east of Ballico Avenue in Merced County, the CHP said.

Lemus-Gonzales was traveling west on El Capitan Way when her vehicle, a white 2003 Ford Focus, drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic, directly in front of the pickup truck. The vehicles collided head-on and the Ford Focus burst into flames, the CHP said.

Lemus-Gonzales was pronounced dead at the scene, the CHP said.

Immediately following the crash, officers searched the area with dogs and aircraft, but were unable to find the driver of the Ford F-250.

Onsurez said physical evidence was collected from the crash scene and examined but could not elaborate. Investigators declined to comment on many details of the case in order to protect the investigation. Onsurez described the case as a high priority for investigators.

“We really can’t comment on much regarding the investigation itself,” Onsurez said. “We just want to reach out to the community at this time.”

A description of the driver of the pickup truck was not released.

This story was originally published December 26, 2014 at 5:13 PM with the headline "CHP seeks public’s help in fatal hit-and-run investigation."