On Tuesday, June 20th, 2023, at 3:16 am, the California Highway Patrol, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries northbound State Route 99 just north of Lander Ave, Turlock.

When crews arrived on scene, they found two vehicles involved blocking the #1 and #2 lanes. The first was a white sedan and the second was a black 2022 Tesla Model Y. The white sedan was on fire.

Firefighters quickly began fire attack and after a short while, were able to knock the fire down. A deceased driver who has yet to be identified was found in the white sedan.

The black Model Y had a total two of two occupants, driver Thomas Guerrero, 37, of Escalon, and his six-year-old son. Guerrero suffered major injuries, while his son suffered moderate injuries. Guerrero was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital, while Guerrero was airlifted by CALSTAR Air Medical Services to a regional children’s hospital.

Both vehicles sustained major front-end damage and were deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, requiring them to be towed away. Additionally, the white sedan was completely burnt.

Officers began investigating and determined that the white sedan had been traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of State Route 99 at an unknown speed, while the black Model Y had been traveling northbound in the northbound lanes at about 70 miles per hour. As the two vehicles approached each other north of Lander Ave, they collided head-on and the white sedan caught fire.

Officers suspect that the driver of the white sedan was under the influence of alcohol and had received several calls reporting that they were traveling the wrong way, however, were unable to stop them in time.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Officer Anthony Bond at 209-545-7440.