Full Notification

NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: October 27, 2016
Modesto Police Department
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Author: Heather Graves

Modesto, CA – Officers are investigating a fatal traffic collision that claimed the life of a Merced man.

At about 10:00 a.m. yesterday, officers responded to a report of an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Tully Road and W. Rumble Road. During their investigation officers received information that one of the drivers involved may have intentionally struck a second vehicle and fled the scene.

Traffic investigators believe 67-year-old suspect, Lupe Cardenas of Modesto, was driving northbound on Tully Road nearing Briggsmore Avenue when he rear ended a 50-year-old female driver multiple times. Cardenas did not exchange information with the uninjured woman and continued driving northbound on Tully Road at a high rate of speed. As he approached the intersection of W. Rumble Road, he rear ended a second vehicle, stopped at a red light. The driver of the second vehicle has been identified as 29-year-old Nieves Alejandro Romero of Merced. Emergency personnel responded and rushed both Cardenas and Romero to local hospitals where Romero succumbed to his injuries. Cardenas was treated for minor injuries and was medically cleared before officers booked him into the Stanislaus County Jail for vehicular manslaughter.

As standard practice in a fatal vehicle collision, the Modesto Police Department Traffic Unit has initiated a comprehensive collision investigation. This investigation is in the early stages and witness statements as well as physical evidence is being thoroughly evaluated before any collision factor or cause will be determined.

If you have any information regarding either of these incidents, please call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters may also text information to Crime Stoppers at 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.

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