An 83-year-old woman died after a head-on crash Thursday in Merced County involving a suspected drunken driver who fled on foot before being found in a nearby orchard, the California Highway Patrol said.

The crash was reported at about 9:47 a.m. on Sycamore Street north of Bloss Avenue, according to the CHP.

Investigators said Jose Perez Hernandez, 33, of Turlock was driving an Audi SUV south on Sycamore Street at a high rate of speed when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle crossed into the northbound lane.

The Audi collided head-on with a Chevrolet Equinox traveling north at about 40 mph, the CHP said.

An 84-year-old Delhi man was driving the Chevrolet, and an 83-year-old Delhi woman was in the front passenger seat.

After the crash, Hernandez left the Audi and fled north on foot toward Augusta Avenue, witnesses told investigators. CHP officers, assisted by the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, searched the area and found Hernandez in a nearby orchard.

The Chevrolet’s driver was taken to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto with moderate injuries. The passenger was taken to Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock with major injuries and later died at the hospital, according to the CHP.

Authorities did not identify the woman.

The CHP said Hernandez was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Merced for medical clearance before being booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony DUI and felony hit-and-run.

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The crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact CHP investigating Officer Michael Afferino at (209) 356-6600.

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