NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: September 6, 2017
Modesto Police Department
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Author: Jessica Smart
Modesto, CA – A female driver was fatally injured following a collision with a stolen SUV.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 23, officers responded to an injury collision on “L” and 7th Streets. When they arrived, they discovered that the occupants of a black Chevy SUV fled the area. The solo female driver, identified as Gloria Hawkins (66 of Modesto), in a red Mustang required immediate medical attention and was rushed to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
Initial reports suggest that the Chevy was traveling eastbound on L Street at 7th Street, ran through the red light and broadsided the Mustang which was traveling northbound on 7th. Both passengers and the driver of the Chevy fled the area on foot. Officers later discovered that the Chevy had been reported stolen to the California Highway Patrol.
Witnesses described the Chevy driver as a Hispanic or Black male adult in his 20’s, tall with a thin build. The two passengers were described as a Hispanic male and Hispanic female, both in their 20’s. Surveillance cameras in the area captured images of two of the occupants who fled after the collision – the driver and one of the passengers.
On Tuesday, September 5, Manuel Gonzalez, 19 of Modesto, (see attached booking photo) was arrested and booked for vehicular manslaughter, hit and run, possession of a stolen vehicle and driving without a license. We would like to thank the community for providing information that let us to the arrest of Gonzalez, who was already in custody on unrelated charges.
The passengers are still being sought – they do not face charges related to the collision at this time.
Officers encourage individuals who may have witnessed the collision, or have information on the two passengers, to contact Officer Daniel Phillips at [email protected]. You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636.
If you have any information regarding criminal activity, please call Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
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