Suspect in fatal DUI crash near Oakhurst named

OAKHURST, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The antheral progressive successful a deadly DUI clang that claimed 2 lives adjacent Oakhurst has been identified arsenic 42-year-old Felipe Angel Ramirez, according to officials.

The clang occurred conscionable aft 4 p.m. connected Highway 41 successful Madera County. 

Investigators accidental Ramirez was down the instrumentality of a enactment motortruck traveling astatine speeds reportedly implicit 100 miles per hr erstwhile helium mislaid power and collided head-on with an oncoming SUV, sidesplitting some of its occupants. 

The names of the victims person not yet been released, pending notification of their families.

California Highway Patrol Sgt. Chris Wynveen said the clang was convulsive and witnesses described the truck’s rear extremity becoming airborne earlier impact.

“We person immoderate witnesses saying the backmost extremity was airborne,” said Sgt. Wynveen. 

“There’s grounds connected the hood of the SUV of harm that astatine this constituent we’re not definite wherever it’s from, but it’s portion of the pickup truck.”

Ramirez sustained large injuries successful the clang and remains hospitalized astatine Community Regional Medical Center successful Fresno. 

Despite his condition, officials accidental helium is presently nether apprehension and charged with DUI and manslaughter.

If Ramirez survives, helium could look further and much superior charges, including second-degree murder. 

While Madera County District Attorney Sally Moreno could not remark specifically connected this case, she confirmed her bureau is actively moving with instrumentality enforcement connected the investigation.

“If idiosyncratic drives nether the power successful Madera County and injures oregon kills someone, we volition marque definite they are held accountable,” Moreno said.

Second-degree execution successful California carries a imaginable condemnation of 15 years to beingness successful prison. 

Prosecutors whitethorn prosecute this complaint if a operator has anterior DUI convictions and has antecedently been warned astir the dangers of impaired driving.

“Most of the clip that happens if idiosyncratic has a anterior DUI,” said Moreno. “And they are besides advised that if they bash it again and they termination someone, we tin complaint them with murder.”

Authorities person not yet confirmed whether Ramirez has immoderate anterior DUI convictions.

Moreno called the clang “senseless” and emphasized however preventable these tragedies are.

“It’s truthful avoidable,” she said. “And it strikes crossed each socioeconomic, radical — each kinds of levels.”

The probe is ongoing, and prosecutors are expected to marque a determination astir ceremonial charges erstwhile much accusation is gathered.