Fresno Man High on Meth Injured Two Kids in Crash. Now He's Headed to State Prison.

By Bill McEwen, News Director

Published 2 years ago on

July 26, 2022

A 51-year-old Fresno man was sentenced Monday to 18 years and four months in prison for seriously injuring two children and fleeing a crash while he was high on meth.

Charles Coker Sentenced — Charles Coker, 51, of Fresno, received a sentence of more than 18 years on Monday, July 25, 2022. (Fresno County SO)

Charles Coker received the stiff sentence from Judge James Kelley in a case prosecuted by Fresno County Deputy DA Christopher Moss.

Coker pleaded guilty in May to all charges stemming from the vehicle collision on Nov. 7, 2021. He had two prior strike convictions, according to a news release from the DA’s office.

According to court records, Coke’s car struck another vehicle, causing great bodily injury to children ages 6 and 9. In addition, a pregnant woman riding with Coker was hurt.

A Quick Arrest

Coker ran from the accident but was quickly arrested by Fresno police.

A toxicology report indicated that Coker had a potentially toxic level of methamphetamine in his system.

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Bill McEwen,

News Director

Bill McEwen is news director and columnist for GV Wire. He joined GV Wire in August 2017 after 37 years at The Fresno Bee. With The Bee, he served as Opinion Editor, City Hall reporter, Metro columnist, sports columnist and sports editor through the years. His work has been frequently honored by the California Newspapers Publishers Association, including authoring first-place editorials in 2015 and 2016. Bill and his wife, Karen, are proud parents of two adult sons, and they have two grandsons. You can contact Bill at 559-492-4031 or at Send an Email