Search for driver after fatal hit-and-run accident in Merced underway

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) – The search is ongoing for a driver who struck and killed a man in Merced on Monday night.

Officers were called to the area of ​​Yosemite Avenue/Cordova Avenue, where the victim was reportedly crossing the street around 9 p.m. on Monday.

Investigators said the driver was in a Toyota and did not stop to check on the victim.

“The damage to this vehicle will be significant and the occupant of the car would have known he had hit something given the extent of the damage,” said Merced Police Sergeant Nathan McKinnon.

The man was hit not once, but twice by two different drivers.

“A vehicle behind this vehicle also struck the same person after the initial collision, but that person remained at the scene, cooperated with police officers and showed no signs of impairment,” Sergeant McKinnon said.

Due to the severity of his injuries, it was difficult for investigators to identify the victim.

Sergeant McKinnon said this is the seventh fatal hit-and-run accident in the city of Merced this year.

Kelsey Isaac attends Merced College, which is less than a mile from where Monday's hit-and-run crash occurred.

Several new businesses nearby have increased traffic on this main thoroughfare.

In addition, the route connects UC Merced students to off-campus restaurants and lodging, and from there it is less than half a mile to an elementary school.

“There is definitely more traffic in this area. We've been sitting here for about an hour in the parking lot alone and have seen almost five accidents,” Isaac said.

Because there are so many drivers in this area, Isaac hopes to see more pedestrian-friendly streets.

“Especially in the morning, people are out getting their coffee, going to school or work. There are pedestrians, people riding their bikes to school or walking from their homes. So the increased car traffic in this area is definitely dangerous,” explains Isaac.

Anyone with information regarding this hit-and-run accident is asked to contact the Merced Police Department.

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