On December 05, 2019, at approximately 3:05 am, Merced Communications Center received a call of a vehicle rollover traffic collision in the area of Santa Fe Drive and Franklin Road.

It was reported the vehicle was on fire and occupied. Officers responded to the scene and upon arrival determined there were 4 occupants in the vehicle.

The male driver and female right front passenger were pronounced deceased on scene.

Merced residents, 26-year-old Wesley Weeks and 22-year-old Jasmine Stamps both passengers in the back seat were transported to Modesto area hospitals by RIGGS Ambulance with major to moderate injuries.

During the investigation, it was determined that the 2005 Toyota Highlander was traveling westbound on Santa Fe Drive, east of Franklin Road when for unknown reason the Toyota traveled off the roadway onto the north shoulder of Santa Fe Drive.

The Toyota collided with a section of concrete canal well abutment located on the north shoulder of Santa Fe Drive, west of Franklin Road. This collision caused the Toyota to overturn multiple times before coming to rest on its roof within the two-way left-turn lane of Santa Fe Drive, west of Franklin Road.

This collision is still under investigation. Alcohol and drugs have not been ruled out as contributing factors in the cause of this collision.

Anyone with information that can assist with this collision investigation is urged to call the Merced Area CHP Office at (209) 356-2900. For further information, telephone interviews, and/or questions contact Public Information Officer Eric C. Zuniga at (209)356-6608.