[06-01-2025] Merced County, CA – Woman and 3-Year-Old Girl Killed in DUI Hit-and-Run Crash on Southern Pacific Avenue in Atwater

A 20-year-old woman and a 3-year-old girl were killed in a DUI hit-and-run crash involving a speeding pickup truck on Southern Pacific Avenue in Atwater on Sunday night, June 1, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred around 10:35 p.m. near the intersection of Southern Pacific Avenue and Commerce Avenue. 

A 19-year-old man identified as Moises C. of Catheys Valley was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado eastbound on Southern Pacific Avenue at a high rate of speed when he failed to stop at a posted stop sign.

At the same time, a 17-year-old driver of a 2025 Honda Civic was making a left turn onto Commerce Avenue with three passengers inside. The speeding driver’s pickup truck slammed into the passenger side of the Honda, tearing through the doors and ejecting the 20-year-old woman.

The 17-year-old driver and an 18-year-old front-seat passenger attempted to aid the woman and the 3-year-old passenger. Responding officers arrived and performed CPR, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The child was taken to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

The driver of the Chevrolet fled on foot but was located around 12:20 a.m. near Southern Pacific Avenue and Herrod Avenue with minor injuries. He was arrested and is facing charges of felony DUI, felony hit-and-run, and vehicular manslaughter.

The investigation is ongoing.