February 18, 2022 - Merced – On Sunday, February 13th, 2022, at approximately 11:33 P.M., a vehicle collision caused significant damage to the traffic control lights at G Street and Yosemite Ave. Traffic Officers investigated the collision at G Street and Yosemite Ave. and determined that Joel Rodriguez (21), was driving at a high rate when his vehicle veered off the road and struck the power control boxes that run the lights at the intersection. Rodriguez suffered serious injuries and had to be flown to an area trauma center.
The damage to the traffic signals is estimated to be $70,000.
Rodriguez had a blood alcohol level of .29%, over THREE times the legal limit. He was also under the influence of narcotics. The Merced Police Department is seeking prosecution for DUI in this case.
The Merced Police Departments reminds drivers that drugs/alcohol and driving don't mix. #YouDrinkYouDriveYouLose #callforaride #GoSafelyCA
Case Number: 22-9104
Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this collision to contact Traffic Officer Calcagno at (209) 388-7718 or by email at calcagnom@cityofmerced.org.
Other ways to contact us or report crime include:
For any emergency call or text 911
For non-emergency call 209-385-6912
Anonymous Tip Line (Non-emergency) call 209-385-4725
Anonymous Tips online at http://www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org/index.html.
Some crimes can be reported online through the Merced PD website https://www.cityofmerced.org/departments/police.
Source & photos: Merced Police Department 
