[04-03-2026] Merced County, CA – Juvenile Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash on Wardrobe Ave.

A juvenile male was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash outside of Merced on Friday evening, April 3, 2026.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 8 p.m. when the juvenile, riding a minibike without a headlight, attempted to cross Wardrobe Avenue west of Thornton Road. 

A dark-colored SUV, believed to be a Toyota BZ4X, struck the juvenile, causing him to be ejected from the minibike and suffer major injuries. 

The SUV driver continued west on Wardrobe Avenue without stopping. The SUV was reported to have front-end damage from the collision.

The CHP is seeking the public’s help in locating the driver and vehicle involved. Anyone with information is urged to contact CHP Officer Lou Saeteurn at (209) 356-6600.

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.