Suspected DUI Driver Flees on Foot After Fatal Head-On Traffic Crash in Merced County 

August 14, 2026 – Delhi, CA – Merced CHP officials report that on August 13, 2026, at approximately 9:47 a.m., the Merced Communications Center (MCC) received a report of a head-on crash between a Chevrolet SUV and an Audi SUV on Sycamore Street, north of Bloss Avenue, in Merced County.

Upon arrival at the scene, CHP officers determined the incident to be a hit-and-run crash involving major injuries. Witnesses reported that the suspected driver of the Audi SUV had fled the crash scene on foot in a northerly direction toward Augusta Avenue.

Officers immediately began to canvass the area of Augusta Avenue and Sycamore Street. With the assistance of the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, officers located a male subject in a nearby orchard who identified himself as Jose Perez Hernandez, 33, of Turlock, CA. Hernandez was later confirmed to be the driver of the Audi SUV.

The preliminary investigation determined Hernandez was driving the Audi SUV southbound on Sycamore Street, north of Bloss Avenue, at a high rate of speed. An 84-year-old man from Delhi, CA, was driving a Chevrolet Equinox northbound on Sycamore Street, north of Bloss Avenue, at approximately 40 mph. An 83-year-old woman from Delhi, CA, was seated in the right front passenger seat of the Chevrolet SUV.

As the vehicles approached each other, for reasons still under investigation, the Audi SUV crossed into the northbound lane and collided head-on with the Chevrolet SUV. Following the crash, Hernandez exited the Audi SUV and fled on foot in a northerly direction, where he was later located by law enforcement.

The driver of the Chevrolet SUV was transported to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, CA, with moderate injuries. The female passenger was transported to Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock, CA, with major injuries. Unfortunately, the passenger succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Hernandez was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). He was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Merced, CA, for medical clearance and was later booked into the Merced County Jail for felony DUI and felony hit-and-run.

This traffic crash remains under investigation. For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Eric C. Zuniga at (209) 356-6608. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact Investigating Officer Michael Afferino at (209) 356-6600.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Source: Merced CHP