FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2025
Merced, Calif. On February 3, 2025, at approximately 8:14 pm, Merced Communications Center (MCC) advised of a traffic crash with an ambulance responding to the area of State Route 140 on ramp to northbound State Route 99 in the city of Merced. CHP Merced Units responded and arrived at the scene at approximately 8:20 pm.
Upon arrival, it was determined that an unknown adult male had been struck by a vehicle in the roadway and was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.
During the investigation it was determined that a 52-year-old female driver out of Merced, CA, was driving a 2006 Ford Expedition westbound on SR-140 and was attempting to ramp onto northbound SR-99. For unknown reason, an unknown adult male was walking eastbound across the northbound SR-99 on ramp from SR-140 directly in the path of the Ford. Due to the pedestrian wearing dark clothing and limited lighting, the driver was not able to see the pedestrian in time to avoid the traffic crash. As a result of the crash, the male pedestrian was propelled to the ground. The driver remained at the scene of the traffic crash and was cooperative with the investigating officers. The driver was not determined to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
This traffic crash is still under investigation, and it is unknown at this time if drugs and/or alcohol was a factor in part of the pedestrian.
If anyone witnessed the collision or have information regarding the events leading up to it, please call Investigating Officer Bautista at (209)356-6600.
