FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2023) — Jesus Heriberto Rodriguez, 16, of Mexico, died and three men were injured in a rollover crash on Elkhorn Avenue in Fresno County.
The traffic accident occurred about 5:25 a.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2023, west of Jameson Avenue, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department.
Someone called 911 to report the crash and reached operators at the Fresno Area California Highway Patrol (CHP) Communications Center.
A Toyota Tacoma pickup truck driven by Erick Gonzalez Torres, 25, of Bakersfield, had allegedly been heading westbound on Elkhorn Avenue at “high speed” when the vehicle came upon a curve in the roadway. The driver reportedly lost control and veered off the roadway onto the shoulder. The vehicle overturned multiple times and the 16-year-old boy was ejected. Authorities say the teen was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown into the roadway. Sadly, despite efforts by medical personnel, Jesus Heriberto Rodriguez died on scene.
Meanwhile, the driver and two other passengers, Arturo Rodriguez, 21, and Christian Bribiesca, 19, were all wearing seatbelts and survived with minor injuries.
Paramedics transported the driver to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment of undisclosed injuries. The other two were treated on scene.
Authorities determined that Erick Torres was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested on felony vehicular manslaughter and DUI upon his release from hospital. He is being held on $65,000 bail.
Finally, investigators continue to work on the case.
Witnesses or anyone wishing to speak with investigators, may contact the Fresno Area Public Information officer at (916) 802-2275.
Johnson Attorneys Group does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Furthermore, Johnson Attorneys Group has no intention to represent any of the parties discussed. We hope this news information is timely and helpful. However, if you would like to contribute any information or have legal questions, please contact us as soon as possible. Our law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
SOURCE: Fresno PIO Tony Botti
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