Hilmar, CA – In the late evening of Friday, September 5, 2025, a hit-and-run involving driver Angel Ortega, 40, killed a 64-year-old male pedestrian, according to KSEE.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 11:20 PM near Highway 165 and Third Street in Hilmar.
Investigators said Ortega drove a dark-colored Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck southbound on Highway 165 at a high rate of speed when the victim attempted to cross the street, and the front of Ortega’s truck struck him directly.
The impact launched the victim into the air before he landed on the east shoulder of the highway. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and pronounced him dead from his injuries. Officials have not released his identity.
Around 11:40 PM, a Los Banos CHP sergeant stopped a pickup truck with visible front-end damage on Highway 165 near Henry Miller Avenue. Merced CHP officers responded and identified Ortega as the driver. =
Authorities said Ortega continued driving at high speed after the collision instead of stopping to render aid. Officers determined that he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.
Police booked Ortega into custody on charges of murder, felony DUI, and felony hit-and-run. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
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.
California Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
