Full Notification

NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: December 17, 2016
Modesto Police Department
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Author: Heather Graves

Modesto, CA – Two Modesto men were fatally injured hours apart in separate traffic collisions.

Just after midnight, officers responded to a reported traffic collision involving a pedestrian on Sylvan Avenue, east of McHenry Avenue. Witnesses on scene reported a black Saturn was driving westbound on Sylvan approaching McHenry when it struck a pedestrian in the #1 lane and then collided into a light pole. The Hispanic male driver got out of his vehicle, looked at the pedestrian in the roadway and then got back into his car. The man backed the vehicle over the pedestrian before fleeing westbound on Standiford. The 50-year-old male pedestrian suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A short time later, officers received information that the Saturn was involved in a second hit and run collision involving a parked car in the 3600 block of Chippewa. After colliding with the parked car, the Saturn became disabled on Cheyenne and the driver fled the area on foot.

A separate collision involving a pedestrian was reported just before 6:00 a.m. this morning. Responding officers learned that a man was walking outside of a crosswalk when he was struck by a Honda traveling eastbound on Paradise Road. The 39-year-old female driver initially stopped to render aid to the pedestrian, but then left the area prior to emergency personnel’s arrival. Officers eventually made contact with the female driver. The 61-year-old pedestrian suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The names of both pedestrians are being withheld pending family notification. As a standard procedure in all fatal collisions, a comprehensive investigation has begun. The causes of these collisions have not yet been determined. Evidence still needs to be examined, and additional witnesses are being sought. If you have any information that may help investigators determine what transpired during these incidents, you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters may also text information to Crime Stoppers at 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.


Safety should be a top priority for drivers and pedestrians alike. Following these tips can reduce your chances of being involved in, or the victim of, a pedestrian accident.

For drivers:
• Slow down, especially in inclement weather and at night.
• Watch for pedestrians in and around crosswalks and around vehicles.
• Put away all distractions.

For pedestrians:
• Use crosswalks.
• Look both ways several times before crossing.
• Don’t assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact to ensure you’re seen.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Stay alert. Items such as headphones and cell phones should be put away until you arrive safely at your destination.

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