Los Banos, CA (September 8, 2025) – A Los Banos man is facing murder and DUI charges after authorities say he fatally struck a pedestrian on Highway 165 in a late-night hit-and-run, then attempted to flee the scene.
Angel Ortega, 40, of Los Banos, was arrested Friday night at 11:42 p.m. when a Los Banos CHP unit stopped Ortega’s vehicle on Highway 165, several miles from the crash. Officers observed fresh damage to the truck’s front end and contacted the Merced CHP office, which had just begun investigating the fatal collision. After linking the vehicle to the scene, officers arrested Ortega. He was booked into jail on multiple charges, including felony DUI, hit-and-run, and murder.
The crash occurred shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Friday, September 5, on Highway 165 in Merced County. Investigators say a 64-year-old man was crossing the southbound lane when he was struck by a Chevy Silverado traveling at a high rate of speed.
The impact reportedly threw the pedestrian into the air. He landed along the east shoulder of the roadway and was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
CHP has not yet disclosed whether Ortega was previously known to law enforcement or had a history of DUI offenses. Authorities have not stated whether additional charges could be filed or whether bail has been set.
The incident has sparked concern among residents familiar with the rural stretch of Highway 165, which is lightly lit and often used by both local and commercial traffic. Law enforcement has urged drivers to exercise caution and has asked any potential witnesses to come forward.
As Los Banos and surrounding communities await more details, this tragic incident underscores ongoing concerns about impaired driving and pedestrian safety on regional highways.
