Tragedy Strikes: Suspected Drunk Driver Charged After Fatal Hit-and-Run Kills Pedestrian in Merced County

A devastating incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning on Highway 99 in Merced County, claiming the life of a 32-year-old pedestrian. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the man was fatally struck in a hit-and-run crash involving a suspected drunk driver, who has since been apprehended and charged with multiple felonies.

The tragic event occurred around 2:10 a.m.

on the northbound lanes of Highway 99, just south of Highway 140. Authorities stated that the victim, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was walking on the shoulder of the highway when he reportedly entered the traffic lanes, putting him directly in the path of oncoming vehicles.

Investigators detailed that a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by 26-year-old Victor Mendoza of Santa Nella, collided with the pedestrian.

In a callous act, Mendoza failed to stop and render aid, instead fleeing the scene of the accident, leaving the critically injured man behind. Emergency services arrived swiftly, but tragically, the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.

CHP officers immediately launched an extensive investigation, quickly identifying the suspect vehicle.

Through diligent police work, the Chevrolet Tahoe was located a short time later in the vicinity of Santa Nella. This crucial discovery led law enforcement directly to Victor Mendoza, who was subsequently taken into custody.

Upon his arrest, Mendoza was booked into the Merced County Jail. He faces severe charges that underscore the gravity of his alleged actions: felony hit-and-run, which carries significant penalties for leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and felony driving under the influence (DUI) causing injury or death.

These charges reflect the tragic consequences of impaired driving and the legal obligation to remain at the scene of any collision.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of impaired driving and the critical importance of road safety. The investigation into the exact circumstances leading to the pedestrian entering the traffic lanes and Mendoza's alleged intoxication is ongoing, as authorities work to piece together every detail of this profound loss of life.