[06-15-2024] Tulare County, CA – Two People Killed Following Two-Vehicle DUI Collision Involving Stolen Car Along Bardsley Avenue

Two people were killed following a two-vehicle DUI collision involving a stolen car in Tulare early Saturday morning, June 15, 2024.

According to the Tulare Police Department, the fatal accident occurred around 4:30 a.m. at the intersection of Bardsley Avenue and O Street, near a Burger King restaurant.

Upon arrival, police found two vehicles involved in the crash: a 2005 Nissan Sentra and a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The Nissan was said to be within the drive-thru of the nearby Burger King facing toward Bardsley Avenue, while the Hyundai was seen along the northbound lanes of O Street.

Police said that they discovered two people inside the Nissan, a driver and a passenger, both of which had severe injuries. The driver, a 35-year-old man, was found dead while still sitting behind the wheel. Meanwhile, the passenger, a 43-year-old man, was transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries as well.

It was then later discovered that the Hyundai had been stolen from Visalia. Three young males were said to be occupying the Hyundai at the time of the accident. The three were identified as 18-year-old Jose E. from Tulare, 18-year-old Emanuel M. from Goshen, and a 17-year-old juvenile.

Police stated that the juvenile was the one driving the supposedly stolen vehicle when the incident occurred. He was also intoxicated at that time, said the officers. He and Jose E. were arrested on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle. Emanuel M., on the other hand, will be charged the same after receiving further medical care.

It is still unclear how the three young males got a hold of the stolen Hyundai. The police are still investigating the circumstances of the deadly collision.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities at 559-685-2300. Police work is underway.