Chowchilla Police Officer Dies in On-Duty Traffic Crash
October 5, 2025 – Madera CHP officials report that on Friday, October 3, 2025, at approximately 10:37 p.m., the Merced Communications Center (MCC) received a call of a two-vehicle traffic crash, involving a police vehicle, on SR-152, at Road 13.
CHP Madera Area officers responded to the scene to investigate. A preliminary investigation indicates:
A 36-year-old man from Firebaugh, CA, was driving a Freightliner, pulling a set of doubles, loaded with tomatoes. He was traveling southbound on Road 13, traversing the intersection at SR-152. An on-duty Chowchilla Police Officer was driving a marked Chowchilla Police Department patrol vehicle (Ford Explorer), eastbound on SR-152, within the number one lane, approaching the intersection at Road 13. As the Freightliner attempted to cross the eastbound lanes of the intersection, the front of the patrol vehicle struck the right side of the Freightliner’s rear trailer. The patrol vehicle became stuck under the trailer. Tomatoes spilled onto the roadway and both vehicles came to rest blocking both traffic lanes on Road 13, and the south road edge of eastbound SR-152.
Despite the immediate response of emergency personnel, the officer tragically succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Freightliner was not injured. Alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to be a factor.
This crash is still under investigation. California Highway Patrol – Central Division Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T) responded to the scene to gather evidence and determine what led to this tragedy.
The California Highway Patrol stands with the Chowchilla Police Department as they mourn the loss of one of their own. Our deepest condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends, and fellow officers. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day while serving and protecting their community.
Source & photo: Madera CHP
Chowchilla Police Officer Barrantes End of Watch: October 3, 2025
City of Chowchilla Police Department:
October 5, 2025 – Chowchilla Police Department released the following statement and updated the identity of the officer 
involved as Officer Barrantes.
It is with the deepest of sadness that the Chowchilla Police Department announces the loss of one of our own officers. Late Friday evening, one of our officers was involved in an on-duty traffic collision. Despite the swift and courageous efforts of first responders, our officer succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the crash while on scene.
The circumstances surrounding the collision are currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, in coordination with the Chowchilla Police Department. Additional details will be released as they become available.
We are holding the officer’s family and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. This officer was a dedicated and respected member of our department and had many years of dedicated law enforcement service. We will not be releasing the officers name so that the family can have their time to grieve peacefully.
Our department is extremely grateful of the immediate support we received from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Chowchilla Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol.
Chief of Police Jeff Palmer stated, “moments of tragedy like this are devastating to our department and especially the family of this amazing officer. It is going to take time for our department to heal from this tragic loss.”
Source: Chowchilla Police Department
