February 16, 2026 – Madera County Sheriff’s Office officials report that at approximately 1:10 a.m., the Madera County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls reporting subjects breaking into vehicles in the area of El Vado Drive and Avenue 18 1/2.

Deputies responded to the area and located a vehicle matching the description provided by callers. The vehicle immediately fled at a high rate of speed.

The vehicle lost control and was involved in a single vehicle collision at Avenue 17 and SR 99. Deputies arrived on scene and discovered four occupants deceased. One male passenger was transported to the hospital by helicopter and is in critical condition.

The California Highway Patrol will be investigating the collision.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate the reported vehicle burglaries.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact: Detective M. Fullhart, email Michael.fullhart@maderacounty.com or call 559-675-2497 ext. 4120.

Information may be provided confidentially by calling Crimestoppers at (559) 498-STOP or by texting “Tip MaderaSO” followed by your message to 888777. Tips may also be made on the Madera County Sheriff’s Mobile App: MaderaSheriffApp.com.

Source: Madera County Sheriff’s Office