Fresno County, CA – Gerardo Lopez Perez, 26, has been arrested after a single-vehicle crash on the night of Wednesday, February 5, 2025, resulted in the death of his passenger and Lopez Perez fled the scene, according to ABC30.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the crash took place east of Reedley near Manning and Hansen Avenues.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Lopez Perez lost control of his vehicle, which left the roadway and rolled over after colliding with nearby orange trees. A passenger in the car was killed, and investigators say Lopez Perez fled the scene on foot. As a result, the accident was classified as a hit-and-run.
The following day, Lopez Perez turned himself in at the Orange Cove Police Department, where he was taken into custody on felony hit-and-run charges.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the victim. The CHP continues to investigate the crash, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. An experienced personal injury attorney can help families pursue proper compensation for their loss by handling these legal complexities.
Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, feel free to contact a Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
