BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bakersfield Police arrested Ronald Pierce, 50, in connection to a deadly street racing crash that left one woman dead and put two minors in the hospital.
Officials said Sunday evening, a red Mustang and a gray Dodge Ram were racing Northbound on Old River Road when the Mustang lost control and hit a passing minivan. The van spun out into the Southbound lane into oncoming traffic. The van was then broadsided by a crane truck.
The woman driving the van died at the scene. Two minors also in the van were taken to the hospital with moderate to major injuries.
The driver of the Mustang was detained. Further investigation lead police to Pierce. Pierce was charged with driving under the influence, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, reckless driving causing injury and engaging in a speed contest.
Pierce was booked into the Kern County Jail Monday morning. His bail is set at over $30,000 and he is due in court on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
The driver of the crane truck was unharmed and remained at the scene to assist in the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crash is asked to call BPD at 661-327-7111.
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Officials said a street race led to a fatal collision in Southwest Bakersfield shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday evening.
Officials said at least two vehicles were racing near Old River Road and Ming Avenue, when one of the vehicles collided into a minivan, which was then hit by another vehicle, killing the woman driver.
Two minors traveling in the minivan were transported to the hospital with moderate to major injuries.
The Bakersfield Police Department says at least one person believed to be racing was detained, but the other vehicle did not stay on scene.
It is unclear whether the impact from the racing car, or the other vehicle killed the woman in the minivan.
Officials are also investigating whether more vehicles were involved in the race.
North and southbound lanes in the area are restricted, officials say.
This is a developing story.
Updates will be posted as information is made available.
