[07-23-2024] Stanislaus County, CA – Three People, Including Juveniles, Seriously Injured After Pursuit Led to Single-Vehicle Crash in Ceres

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.