ABC 30 reports that a hit-and-run accident in Merced on Saturday led to a fatality, three injuries, damaged power lines, a major intersection closed for several hours, and the arrest of a driver for several serious charges, including driving under the influence.
Merced Police reported that the accident took place around 7:30 pm Saturday night. A 22-year-old man, allegedly under the influence, was driving a 2014 black Chevrolet Camaro at a high rate of speed when he ran through a stop sign and hit two stopped vehicles. The driver reportedly ignored a posted stop sign and never slowed down as he plowed into the vehicles at the intersection of V. Street and 9th Street, knocking one into a power pole.
The passenger in the man’s vehicle died at the scene, another one was flown to a Modesto hospital with major injuries, and two other people suffered minor injuries. Witnesses told responding police officers that the driver had fled the scene, leaving his injured passengers behind. However, police located the driver about a block away and took him into custody, charging him with DUI, vehicular manslaughter, and hit and run.
Merced Police reported that V. Street between 8th and 10th Street would be closed until around six am Sunday while Pacific Gas And Electric Company repaired power poles at the intersection. Police are still investigating; witnesses are asked to call 209-385-6912.
