[12-21-2024] Stanislaus County, CA – 64-Year-Old Man Killed in Suspected DUI Head-On Collision on Highway 120

A 64-year-old man from Oakdale was killed, and two others sustained injuries in a head-on collision on Highway 120 near Pioneer Avenue in Stanislaus County on Saturday morning, December 21, 2024.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 11:52 a.m. when Nicholas M., 34, of Coulterville, was driving a 2007 GMC pickup eastbound on Highway 120.

For reasons still under investigation, the GMC pickup driver veered into the westbound lane and collided head-on with a 2014 Chevrolet pickup driven by Simon C.

Emergency personnel arrived shortly before noon and found both vehicles with significant damage. Crews transported all injured parties by ground ambulance due to poor weather conditions preventing the use of an air ambulance.

The Chevrolet driver was taken to Doctors Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A passenger in the Chevrolet, identified as 54-year-old Eddie C. of Palmdale, suffered major injuries and was transported to Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

Nicholas M. was arrested on suspicion of DUI and gross vehicular manslaughter. After a medical evaluation, he was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center.

The investigation is ongoing.