Updated on January 6, 2025 at 4:48 p.m.

Saul Galves Diaz, 24, of Caruthers is facing charges of DUI, DUI resulting in death, and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

His bail is set at $182,000.

Updated on January 6, 2025 at 2:46 p.m.

The Fresno County Sheriff – Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased woman as Michelle Lawrence, 28, of Fresno.

Original Story

A head-on DUI collision in Fresno County on Saturday evening claimed one life and left several others injured, the California Highway Patrol said in a statement.

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The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Floral and Willow avenues.

According to authorities, a Toyota driven by Saul Galvez Diaz, 24, was traveling eastbound on Floral Avenue when he crossed the center line while attempting a left turn onto Willow Avenue.

The Toyota collided head-on with a westbound Nissan driven by a 61-year-old woman.

A 28-year-old woman riding in the front passenger seat of the Toyota was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered fatal injuries, authorities said.

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She was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

A 9-year-old girl in the rear seat of the Toyota, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained major injuries and was also taken to CRMC.

The driver of the Toyota and both occupants of the Nissan suffered moderate injuries and were transported to the same hospital for treatment.

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Authorities arrested Galvez Diaz on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

He will be booked into Fresno County Jail following his release from the hospital.

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