Arrest made in connection with fatal Merced hit-and-run collision, police say

A suspect has been arrested on multiple charges including suspicion of DUI in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision in Merced over the weekend, according to authorities.

At about 7:30 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a report of a collision in the area of La Mesa Court and Carmen Way, according to Merced Police Sgt. Nathan McKinnon. Officers arrived on scene to the two-vehicle collision and found a gray Honda Civic in the front yard of a residence and a white Hyundai Tucson on its side.

Police said it appears the Honda was traveling west along Carmen Way when it was struck by the Hyundai which was traveling north on Le Mesa Street at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at a posted stop sign.

The officers pulled the male driver of the Honda out of the vehicle and rendered medical aid but the man was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said the driver of the Tucson, later identified as Jennifer Magana, 35, fled the scene of the crash.

McKinnon said that through the use of video surveillance, investigators were able to identify Magana as the suspected driver of the Hyundai. Later that day at about 3:30 p.m., authorities located Magana in the area of East Main Street and Orchard Lane where she was arrested.

Authorities said DUI, speed and failing to stop at a stop sign are suspected as factors which led to the collision.

After receiving a medical evaluation at a local hospital, Magana was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of multiple charges including felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, driving under the influence and hit-and-run resulting in injury or death, according to jail records.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Officer Craig McKeeman at 209-388-7752.