The Merced California Highway Patrol responded to the area of Santa Fe Avenue and Shaffer road for a report of a collision on May 4th, 2020, at approximately 5:25 a.m.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers determined to be two separate collisions, the first collision involved a DUI driver.

According to CHP, 34-year-old Aaron Herrera from Winton was driving a Honda Coupe westbound on Santa Fe Drive just east of Shaffer Road at a stated speed of 45 mph.

According to CHP reports, 59-year-old Margarita Tinoco was driving a Nissan Hatchback westbound on Santa Fe Drive east of Shaffer Road at approximately 55 miles mph in front of Herrera, Herrera claimed to be distracted by his cell phone when he hit the Nissan in front of him according to reports from CHP.

The impact caused the Nissan to overturn in a field just north of the roadway. During the investigation, it was determined that Herrera was driving under the influence and was arrested for DUI (alcohol) on scene.

Due to a buildup of traffic in the westbound lane of Santa Fe Drive, another collision occurred, Filiberto Medina was driving a GMC truck westbound on Santa Fe Drive, east of Shaffer Road at approximately 55 mph.

Rodrigo Barros was stopped behind traffic in a Hyundai Elantra in the westbound lane of Santa Fe Drive, in front of the GMC. For unknown reasons, Medina drove straight to the rear of the Hyundai.

The impact caused the Hyundai to spun and become disabled in the eastbound lane of Santa Fe Drive. The GMC became disabled in the middle of Santa Fe Drive. Barros sustained a complaint of pain to his right shoulder, but was not transported.