An accident on Highway 33 claimed the life of a Newman toddler and erupted into gunfire, forcing the driver to flee, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The 2-year-old boy reportedly ran out onto the highway, directly in front of an oncoming vehicle, according to the CHP.
The boy was identified as Benjamin Zepeda, 2, of Newman.
Around 8:25 p.m. Wednesday evening at approximately 8:25 p.m., the CHP responded to a traffic collision on Highway 33, north of Crows Landing Road. Emergency personnel arrived to find a severely injured juvenile at the scene.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the child and an adult, identified as the boy’s father, were standing on the west shoulder of Highway 33 near a food truck. The juvenile reportedly ran from the shoulder into the highway’s traffic lanes. A 19-year-old male from Patterson, driving a 2001 BMW sedan northbound on Highway 33, was unable to avoid the child, resulting in a collision.
The 19-year-old stopped at the scene, the CHP reported. Almost immediately after the accident, gunfire erupted, with some bullets striking the BMW. The driver quickly left the scene but was later contacted by CHP officers. He has been cooperating with investigators and was unharmed by the gunfire.
Zepeda was transported to Doctors Medical Center by ground ambulance. Despite the medical team's best efforts, the boy succumbed to his injuries.
Currently, the CHP is actively investigating this incident. No arrests have been made in connection with the gunfire.
In the aftermath of the collision, Highway 33 was temporarily closed between Crows Landing Road and 5th Street. A detour was implemented, causing minimal delays for motorists.
A GoFundMe account was started by Estrella Ramirez, the aunt of Zepeda’s mother, Almendra Alfara.
“Benji was born on Aug. 14, 2022, and brought happiness to this family with his beautiful smile,” wrote Ramirez. “He will be greatly missed.”
Authorities urge anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Aaron Norseen at (209) 545-7440 or Stanislaus County Crime Stoppers at (866) 602-7463.
The GoFundMe link is https://www.gofundme.com/f/benjis-smile-lives-on-support-his-farewell?qid=3c736d7bfc55177da386ea305172a388.
