Man Hospitalized after Fiery Hit-and-Run Collision near Olive Avenue

MERCED, CA (August 1, 2022) – Tuesday night, Ricardo Chavez was injured and Luis Dominguez was arrested after a DUI crash on Santa Fe Drive.

Just after 6:00 p.m., police received a collision report just west of Olive Avenue on July 26th.

Per reports, Dominguez was heading east on Santa Fe Avenue in a 2002 Ford Mustang. For reasons unknown, he suddenly veered into the oncoming lane where he collided head-on with a westbound 2017 Nissan.

Upon impact, the Nissan overturned and became engulfed in flames before a passerby extricated the driver from the vehicle. Medics took the driver of the Nissan, 66-year-old Chavez, of Ceres to Mercy Medical Center for further treatment.

Following preliminary investigations, a witness told authorities that the suspect driver attempted to flee the scene on foot. However, authorities were able to locate and arrest Luis Chacon Dominguez for DUI related charges and hit-and-run.

At this time, an active investigation into the hit-and-run crash on Santa Fe Drive is still underway.

Thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination are essential in operating a vehicle safely. However, these are impaired when alcohol, certain medications, or illegal drugs are in the body. Never drive while impaired, as the consequences can be devastating for you and others. When buzzed or drunk, requesting an Uber, Lyft, or a taxi is best.


It is important to have strong legal representation on your side when injured in a DUI car accident. Reach out to the personal injury attorneys at Sweet James today. With 20 years of experience in the field, they know what it takes to help you win your case. Their team understands what you are going through, and they are here to help you seek justice and compensation. Call their office at (800) 975-3435 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach them 24 hours a day and 7 days a week through email, text, and online chat. Click here to request a police report.

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