Update: Driver Arrested in Fatal Turlock Crash

TURLOCK – The driver of a SUV that crashed Thursday night was arrested and charged in the death of his wife, authorities said Friday.

The crash happened at about 10:37pm on the southbound lanes of Highway 99 just south of the Monte Vista Avenue onramp. The California Highway Patrol said 35 year old Luis Rodriguez of Merced was driving a 2016 Ford Explorer when he lost control and traveled off the highway. The Explorer overturned into the right hand shoulder, ejecting the passenger. The passenger, a 31 year old woman identified as Rodriguez’s wife, was not wearing her seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. She died from her injuries at the scene.

Rodriguez was also not wearing his seatbelt and was trapped inside the vehicle. Firefighters used rescue tools to remove him from the vehicle. He was taken to Memorial Medical Center with major injuries including a compound fracture to the femur and arm.

The couple had their four children in the vehicle, aged six months, one, two, and three years old. All were properly restrained in the vehicle. Two children were taken to Memorial Medical Center and two were taken to Doctors Medical Center. American Medical Response personnel transported them all by ambulance as a precaution, however none were injured. In total, three ambulances and a medical helicopter responded. The helicopter was later canceled.

Turlock Fire Department responded with three engines, Squad 32 and a Chief Officer.

Officials said alcohol was presumed to be a factor in the crash, and Rodriguez was arrested.