On September 24, 2026, at approximately 8:10 p.m., Turlock Police officers were dispatched to a hit-and-run collision on Lander Avenue, just north of Highway 99.
The preliminary investigation determined that a white Kia sedan, driven by Kevin Wooten, 53-year-old of Turlock, collided with another vehicle before leaving the scene. No injuries were reported in the initial collision.
While officers were responding to the first collision, Turlock Police received a report of a second collision near High Street and West Avenue South involving the same Kia and a
Turlock Transit bus.
Investigators determined Wooten was traveling westbound on High Street when he failed to stop at the intersection of West Avenue South and collided with the Turlock Transit bus. The impact caused the bus to leave the roadway and strike a nearby residence, partially entering the home. The residence was unoccupied at the time.
The collision also damaged a fire hydrant and a natural gas line, requiring the intersection to be closed while emergency crews and PG&E responded.
When officers arrived, Wooten was found unresponsive inside the Kia. Despite lifesaving efforts, Wooten was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Turlock Transit bus was occupied only by its driver, who sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver is expected to make a full recovery.
The Turlock Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded and is continuing to investigate the collision. It is not known at this time whether drugs or alcohol played a factor in the incident. Toxicology test results are pending.
This case remains under investigation by the Turlock Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Officer Ferreira at (209) 668-6576.
