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One arrested on suspicion of DUI in head-on crash
DUI pix
California Highway Patrol reported the arrest of Navin Sharma Kumar, 52, of Modesto in connection with a head-on collision early Thanksgiving morning in which three people were injured. Authorities said he fled the scene and was later booked on charges including felony DUI. Photo Contributed

An early morning traffic crash on Thanksgiving Day resulted in one arrest and sent several people to local hospitals.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a call regarding a crash on River Road, east of Cleveland Avenue, came in Thursday, Nov. 27 just after 12:45 a.m.

Emergency personnel arrived on scene and located two vehicles with major collision damage. The driver of a 2017 Kia SUV, a 17-year-old female from La Grange, sustained minor injuries. There were three additional passengers in the KIA. Two of them sustained major injuries and were transported by ground ambulance to Memorial Medical Center. Authorities said the driver of a 2008 Mercedes sedan, Navin Sharma Kumar, 52, from Modesto, fled the scene of the crash. He was later apprehended by the CHP at his residence in Modesto.

The preliminary investigation indicates Kumar was driving the Mercedes westbound on River Road, approaching Cleveland Avenue and a left bend in the roadway. The Kia driver was eastbound on River Road, east of Cleveland Avenue, approaching the Mercedes. Kumar lost control of the Mercedes which entered the eastbound traffic lane, directly into the path of the Kia. A head-on collision occurred. After the collision, Kumar fled the scene on foot and was later picked up by a family member who took him to his residence in Modesto.

Kumar displayed objective signs of intoxication and was placed under arrest by the CHP. After receiving a medical clearance, he was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center for felony DUI, felony hit-and-run, and driving a motor vehicle with a suspended driver license. In addition, Kumar had an outstanding warrant out for his arrest.