Three people, including juveniles, were seriously injured after a pursuit led to a single-vehicle crash in Ceres early Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the incident happened around 3:30 a.m. at the Mitchell Road off-ramp from Highway 99.
CHP said they tried to stop a black Jeep SUV traveling at unsafe speeds along Highway 99 near the 5th Street off-ramp. The driver of the Jeep reportedly responded to the officers by quickly reentering the highway’s southbound lanes via the Hatch Road exit to escape, prompting a pursuit.
The chase ended after the driver, later identified as a 17-year-old Modesto resident, exited toward Mitchell Road and slammed into a nearby light post at the bottom of the off-ramp. Moments after the collision, the vehicle burst into flames.
Officers reacted quickly and extricated all three occupants of the Jeep from the burning wreckage. They were all wearing seatbelts at the time of the incident, said the authorities.
The juvenile driver and the vehicle’s passengers, a 16-year-old and a 20-year-old, all suffered major injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their current conditions are unknown.
The 17-year-old Jeep driver was arrested on several charges, including suspicion of vehicle theft and fleeing law enforcement while causing injuries. He was booked into the Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall after receiving treatment.
No further information was immediately available. The investigation is ongoing.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
