Fatal DUI Crash on Sycamore Street in Delhi; Suspect Arrested
Jose Perez Hernandez, 33, of Turlock, Fled and Later Arrested
MERCED COUNTY, Calif (August 14, 2026) – A DUI suspect was arrested after he fled a fatal head-on collision Thursday morning in Delhi on Sycamore Street in Merced County that left an 83-year-old Delhi woman dead and another injured.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the drivers of an Audi SUV and a Chevrolet SUV were involved in a crash around 10 a.m. on Aug. 13th on Sycamore Street, just north of Bloss Avenue. The southbound Audi was traveling at high speed when it crossed into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on with the Chevrolet.
CHP officers responded to the crash scene, but one driver had fled the scene, and the other vehicle had an elderly driver and passenger who were both injured. Paramedics transported the driver, an 84-year-old male Delhi man, with moderate injuries to Emmanuel Medical Center in Turlock. They took the 83-year-old female passenger to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, but she later died at the hospital. The identities of the elderly couple from Delhi were not released at this time.
Meanwhile, witnesses provided information that helped police locate the suspect in a nearby orchard. They arrested 33-year-old Jose Perez Hernandez of Turlock near Augusta Avenue and Sycamore Street.
Also, the suspect was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Merced for treatment of his injuries. Later he was transferred to Merced County Jail on charges of driving under the influence and felony hit-and-run.
The crash investigation is ongoing.
Got Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538
When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured in Merced County and throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
