Merced Police and City fire responded to East North Bearcreek and Parsons Avenue for a report of a vehicle that went into the creek at around 4:06 this morning.

Upon arrival, officers located a black Dodge Caravan at the bottom of the creek on the south side. Officers entered the creek bed and  encountered 4 vehicle occupants, two males and two females all adults.

The driver of the vehicle received major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the coroner’s office.

The other three passengers were treated at area hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing, officers say it appears alcohol may have been a factor in the collision.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Crain at 209-388-6912 or by email at Crainl@cityofmerced.org.