Jose Perez Hernandez Arrested in Head-On Collision on Sycamore Street [Merced County, CA]

Merced County, CA (August 15, 2026) — An 83-year-old woman died after 33-year-old Jose Perez Hernandez from Turlock, a suspected DUI driver, caused a head-on collision on Sycamore Street Thursday morning.

The crash happened around 10 a.m. near Sycamore Street, just north of Bloss Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol, Hernandez was driving an Audi SUV southbound at a high speed when the vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Chevrolet SUV.

The Chevrolet carried an 84-year-old man and his 83-year-old female passenger, both from Delhi. The woman suffered critical injuries and later died at a Modesto hospital. The male driver sustained moderate injuries and received treatment at a Turlock hospital.

Hernandez fled the crash on foot, but officers located and arrested him in a nearby orchard. Authorities suspected Hernandez was under the influence. Hernandez was later booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of DUI and felony hit-and-run.

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Sweet Lawyers extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones following this tragic loss.

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