August 17, 2021 - Merced- On August 16, 2021, at (0056) 12:56 A.M. Merced Police Officers were dispatched to the area of E. Childs Ave. and Watertown Drive in the City of Merced for a report of a male subject laying in the roadway. Officers located a 43-year-old male that was unresponsive laying in the roadway of E. Childs Ave. Merced City Fire and Riggs personnel rendered medical aid to the male however he was pronounced deceased on scene.

Initially the driver of the responsible vehicle, a 22-year-old male, fled from the scene. He returned approximately 20 minutes later and cooperated with investigators. It was determined that drugs, nor alcohol, were a factor in the collision.

The driver was cited for felony hit and run causing injury or death and released on scene due to booking protocols at the jail.

The name of the victim will not be released pending notification of next of kin. The suspects name also has not been released.

Case Number: 21-49214

Merced Police Department Traffic Investigators are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Crain at 209-388-7754 or by email at crainl@cityofmerced.org.