[07-13-2024] Merced County, CA – Driver Killed After Two-Vehicle DUI Collision Involving Hit-And-Run on Carmen Way

A driver was killed after a two-vehicle DUI collision involving a hit-and-run in Merced on Saturday morning, July 13, 2024. 

According to the Merced County Sheriff Coroner’s Office, the crash happened around 7:30 a.m. in the area of La Mesa Court and Carmen Way. 

Authorities stated that a man in a gray Honda Civic was driving westbound on Carmen Way when his vehicle was hit by a white Hyundai Tucson traveling north on La Mesa Street at a high rate of speed.

The man, identified as 55-year-old Raul V., was pulled from his vehicle and received medical aid. However, he was later pronounced dead at the scene due to his injuries.

Meanwhile, the driver of the Hyundai that struck the victim’s vehicle fled the scene without reporting the incident to the police. The suspect driver was identified as 35-year-old Jennifer M. and was arrested later that afternoon.

Jennifer M. was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of multiple charges including DUI, hit-and-run resulting in injury or death, and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

No further information was released, and the authorities are gathering all the necessary information to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the police at 209-388-7752.