[09-05-2025] Merced County, CA – 64-Year-Old Man Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver on Southbound Highway 165 in Hilmar

A 64-year-old man was killed after being struck by a suspected drunk driver on southbound Highway 165 near Third Street in Hilmar, Merced County, late Friday night, September 5, 2025.

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers received reports just after 11:20 p.m. that a pedestrian had been hit by a dark-colored Chevrolet Silverado traveling at a high rate of speed.

Emergency personnel pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. His identity has not yet been released.

CHP officers reported that the driver, later identified as 40-year-old Angel O. of Los Banos, continued driving after striking the man. Angel was stopped around 11:40 p.m. by a CHP sergeant on Highway 165 at Henry Miller Avenue. 

Investigators said that the driver was driving southbound at a high rate of speed when the victim, walking in the southbound lane, attempted to cross the lanes. The front of the truck struck the pedestrian, throwing him into the air before he landed on the east shoulder of the highway.

Authorities determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and booked him on charges of murder, felony DUI, and felony hit-and-run.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident.