Gerardo Lopez Perez, 26, was identified as the one who fled after a high-speed crash near Orange Cove killed passenger Ciriaco Santiago Gomez, 36, on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Fresno County SO)
Share
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The California Highway Patrol responded to a fatal crash that occurred Wednesday night west of Orange Cove, the agency said in a Thursday morning statement.
At approximately 7:45 p.m., officers responded to a solo vehicle crash on Manning Avenue, west of Hansen Avenue.
A Honda Accord traveling eastbound at high speed veered onto the right shoulder, colliding with multiple trees in an orange orchard before overturning.
A passenger, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office identified as Ciriaco Santiago Gomez, 36, of Aberdeen, Washington, died at the scene. The driver, Gerardo Lopez Perez, 26, of Oaxaca, Mexico, fled on foot.
A CHP helicopter and officers from the Orange Cove Police Department searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect in the original search.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office reported Thursday that the suspect has been arrested.
—
Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.
