On Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at approximately 6:25 a.m., Party #1 (Pending Notification) was driving his 2003 Buick La Sabre westbound on Fresno Avenue approaching Scaroni Avenue at an unknown speed.

30-year-old Jose Ruiz was driving his 1998 Ford Expedition northbound on Scaroni Avenue at 55 mph approaching Fresno Avenue.

As both drivers neared the intersection, Party #1 failed to stop at a posted stop sign and drove directly into the path of the Ford. Ruiz was unable to stop in time and struck the Buick.

The force of the impact pushed both parties in a northerly direction off the roadway. The Ford struck a power pole and the Buick slid into a grape field and caught fire.  Party #1 was pronounced dead at the scene and all occupants in the Ford were transported to Kern Medical with minor to major injuries.

At this time, California Highway Patrol does not suspect that alcohol or drugs played a factor with this collision.