Tulare County, CA – On the afternoon of Thursday, September 17, 2026, a three-vehicle hit-and-run resulted in the death of a 51-year-old Farmersville man and led to the arrest of Pedro Martinez, 56, of Tulare, according to KSEE/KGPE, with additional reporting from CHP Fatal.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 4:00 PM at Road 152 and Avenue 192.
Authorities said the Farmersville man was driving a 1998 Ford Ranger down Road 152 and had stopped at a stop sign at the intersection with Avenue 192 when Martinez, driving a Jeep westbound, failed to stop and struck the driver’s side of the Ford. The impact pushed the Ford into a Toyota Yaris that was also stopped at the intersection. The Farmersville man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Martinez fled the scene on foot into a nearby orchard. With assistance from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Tulare Police Department, and a drone, officers located and arrested him. Investigators searched the surrounding area, including a nearby residence, and requested a K9 unit to assist in tracking him, with officers advised not to touch the involved vehicle to preserve a scent trail.
Three evidence tows were requested for the vehicles involved. The roadway was reopened at approximately 8:56 PM.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is urged to contact the CHP Porterville Area office.
Stop Sign Laws
California law requires drivers to come to a complete stop at a Stop sign (California Vehicle Code 22450). Drivers may only enter the intersection when it appears safe for all parties to do so (California Vehicle Code 21802).
Tulare County Hit-and-Run Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers involved in any collision to stop, render aid, and remain at the scene to cooperate with law enforcement, and also requires drivers to come to a complete stop at posted stop signs before proceeding through an intersection. A driver who both runs a stop sign and flees the scene of a fatal crash may face criminal prosecution in addition to civil liability, and may be considered to have committed negligence per se, increasing his share of liability in the collision.
Because Martinez has already been identified and arrested, the family of the man who lost his life may be able to move forward more directly with a civil claim than in cases where a hit-and-run driver remains unidentified. His family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of consortium, and other damages related to the fatal accident.
Tulare County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, at Road 152 and Avenue 192, contact a California wrongful death lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
