MODESTO, Calif. — A Modesto man was arrested after allegedly hitting and killing a man with his car while the victim was lighting fireworks in the middle of the street.
According to a Facebook post from the Modesto Police Department, the incident happened around 11 p.m. Sunday, July 4, when officers were called to the area of Burney and 16th Streets for a report of a hit and run.
Upon arrival, officers found the victim who witnesses said was lighting fireworks in the road. Police identified the victim as 20-year-old Ephraim Estrada of Modesto.
Soon after the incident, the driver — Jesus Lemus, 34, of Modesto — called the police to say he "thought he struck a person while driving northbound on Burney Street due to being distracted by fireworks," the Modesto Police Department's Facebook post said.
From their investigation, police believe Lemus was speeding and driving under the influence. At the time of the hit and run, police also learned Lemus was driving with a 12-year-old child in the car.
Arturo Talamante, who witnessed the incident, said a speeding car crashed into his son's friend who was about to light the last firework of the night.
"He didn't stop, didn't slow down. I didn't see no brake lights or nothing," Talamante said.
Sherelyn Morales was next door and witnessed the horrible scene.
"We thought it was only like a bucket or fireworks that he hit," she said. "It took like one minute before we recognized it was the guy."
Lemus was arrested and charged with driving under the influence while causing great bodily injury, child abuse, gross vehicular manslaughter, and felony hit and run.
If you have any information regarding this incident, you're asked to contact Officer Raduechel at RaduechelR@modestopd.com.
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