Jesus Lemus, 34, Kills Pedestrian in Modesto DUI Hit-and-Run Crash
MODESTO, CA (July 5, 2021) – Authorities detained Jesus Lemus after a fatal DUI hit-and-run crash at Burney Street and 16th Street in Modesto.
Police determined that the 34-year-old Modesto man was under the influence when the collision took place on Sunday night.
The incident began when Jesus Lemus was driving a Toyota Camry at a high rate of speed north on Burney Street, approaching 16th Street, in Modesto.
At the same time, Ephraim Joel Estrada was setting and lighting Fourth of July fireworks on Burney Street at the intersection with 16th Street.
Modesto police said Jesus Lemus then struck the 20-year-old man. The Modesto Bee and FOX 40 News wrote that the accident occurred at around 11 p.m.
Ephraim Estrada, 20, Hit by Car at Burney and 16th Streets
Firefighters along with the paramedics arrived and located Ephraim Estrada left lying in the roadway and suffering from major injuries as a result of the collision. He died at the scene.
Meanwhile, Jesus Lemus did not stop to render aid to the pedestrian and fled the area. He later contacted and told police that he got distracted by fireworks and then hit someone on the road.
Officers responded to his location and found a 12-year-old passenger inside his car. They soon arrested Jesus Lemus on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI causing great bodily injury.
Authorities also charged him with child endangerment and felony hit-and run. The Modesto DUI hit-and-run crash is still under investigation.
Anyone with information can call the Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 or email police at [email protected].
“Johnson Attorneys Group does not represent any of the parties mentioned above; nor is it our intent to represent any of the parties. If you would like to contribute to this story, please contact us.”
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