DUI/Traffic — Hilmar, CA — reported 2026-07-10

SUMMARY

A 9-year-old boy suffered major injuries after a head-on crash allegedly caused by a DUI driver in Merced County.

KEY FACTS

  • Incident type: DUI/Traffic
  • Location: Hilmar, CA
  • Date reported: 2026-07-10
  • Suspect: male, age 31
  • Victim(s): 1 (9-year-old boy, seriously injured)

REPORTED DETAILS

  • The crash occurred on Lander Avenue north of Williams Avenue in Hilmar at about 1:54 a.m.
  • Jose Ramirez, 31, was driving a 2002 Honda Civic south on Lander Avenue/State Route 165 at an unknown speed.
  • A 66-year-old female from Hilmar was driving a 2025 Chrysler SUV north on Lander at about 55 mph.
  • Ramirez allowed the Honda Civic to cross into the northbound lane, where it collided head-on with the Chrysler SUV.
  • The boy regained consciousness prior to being airlifted to Valley Children's Hospital.