Man killed and passenger injured in suspected DUI crash in Fresno County

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — A mangled wreck is the aftermath of a deadly crash that leaves a family in mourning just one day before Thanksgiving.

“This is tragic. It’s the loss of a life, the loss of a community member. A grieving family,” said Mike Salas with the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP says two young men, identified as 18-year-old Isael Acevedo and 18-year-old Jorge Medina, were in the Honda Accord westbound on Vino Avenue near Jim Savage Road around 7 a.m. Wednesday.

It is believed they were traveling at a high rate of speed when Acevedo went off the road just north of Reedley.

“That vehicle drifted to the shoulder and struck an irrigation line, sending them into the field you see behind me. That vehicle traveled about 200 feet and overturned several times,” Salas said.

Officer Salas says the young men were not wearing seat belts and were thrown from the sedan.

Acevedo died at the scene, while Medina suffered only minor injuries.

Perfecto Gutierrez is one of two farm workers who witnessed the crash.

He says they were both in shock but ran to the car and tried to help.

“We feel the heartbreak too; it’s the loss of a life,” Gutierrez said

He also says Medina asked to borrow his cell phone to call his mother, who I spoke to at the scene.

She did not want to appear on camera, but says the young men were best friends and that the crash happened just a mile from the Acevedo home.

As Medina sat in the back of an ambulance at the scene, Salas said he became combative in the ambulance, prompting officers to intervene.

“Both officers were bitten on the arms and that person was restrained,” says Salas.

Medina was taken to the hospital and is expected to be charged in the alleged assault.

Investigators also tell us alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash.

Now they are once again urging everyone not to drink and drive.

“Don’t get behind the wheel while impaired, find another means of transportation, such as a ride, a taxi, a friend, stay where you are,” says Salas.

It is believed that Medina may have been suffering from a mental health crisis that contributed to his erratic behavior.

He has now been charged with assault on a peace officer and his bail has been set at $30,000.

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