Accidents September 24

Accidents September 24

SONORA, CA – A fender bender in a Sonora hotel parking lot ended with a Ceres man’s arrest.

Sonora Police responded to a non-injury crash at the Heritage Inn off South Washington Street just after 8 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026. While helping the people involved in the fender bender, police reported that drug paraphernalia was discovered in plain view inside 67-year-old David Castillo’s vehicle.

A record check revealed that Amador County had an active warrant out for Mr. Castillo. A vehicle search revealed a machete tucked under the driver’s seat, along with more than 6 grams of methamphetamine.

Running Castillo’s criminal history revealed that he had at least 2 prior convictions, specifically of possession of a controlled substance. Under California’s Prop 36, this elevates the narcotics possession to a felony charge. He was arrested for alleged possession of a controlled substance, possessing a controlled substance and a weapon, misdemeanor possession of illegal drug paraphernalia, and for his active warrant.

Sometimes, even a so-called fender bender can result in serious injury. Vehicles often absorb impacts better than bodies can. If you live in Sonora or Tuolumne County and you’ve been seriously hurt in a car accident, wait before you talk to an insurance adjustor. First, contact the dynamic legal team of AutoAccident.com. We’re here to provide FREE, compassionate support and help you understand your rights and options. Call our accident attorneys at (916) 921-6400. You can also reach out through our online contact form or toll-free number at (800) 404-5400.

MANTECA, CA – The Manteca Police Department announced that it has determined the identity of a Modesto resident as the suspect in a hit-and-run pedestrian fatality that occurred shortly before 6:00 in the morning on Friday, Sept. 18.

The tragic collision happened on Lathrop Road, where a 73-year-old woman was left fatally injured. She was transported to an area hospital, but her injuries were too severe. Sadly, she died.

Police believe the woman had been at Calvary Church, and was walking back to her home in the early morning hours when she was struck by the suspect’s vehicle.

Although investigators have identified the suspect as a 30 year old man from Modesto, an arrest has not been made, and police haven’t yet provided his name to the public.

The investigation remains active as Manteca police conduct a comprehensive examination of the evidence. Investigators seized the vehicle believed to be involved and are examining it for evidence, including collision damage, electronic data, and other information that could help establish what happened.

Once the investigation is concluded, the case will be directed to the San Joaquin County DA’s Office for further development, including possible prosecution.

For the woman’s family, the investigation is about more than reconstructing a collision. It is about understanding what happened to someone they loved and getting answers after a sudden and devastating loss.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Manteca Police Department at 209-456-8101.

The California car and pedestrian injury lawyers of AutoAccident.com serve Manteca and San Joaquin County. We are here to help you through the trauma of a serious accident. Injuries from being hit by a vehicle can result in mounting medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, or much worse. If you or a loved one has been hurt, contact us online or at (530) 392-9400 to speak with an experienced pedestrian injury attorney. We offer a free consultation to review your case, answer your questions, and explain your options for seeking compensation—all with no obligation.

Edward A. Smith

Personal Injury Attorney | Founder, AutoAccident.com

Ed Smith has fought for injury victims in Northern California for over 40 years, securing multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements in complex personal injury cases.

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Bar Admissions:

• State Bar of California
• Sacramento County Bar Association
• Consumer Attorneys of California
• Capital City Trial Lawyers Association
• American Trial Lawyers Association

Credentials:

• J.D., McGeorge School of Law
• B.A., UC Davis — Summa Cum Laude
• 10.0 Avvo Rating
• Member, Million Dollar Forum
• Member, National Association of Distinguished Counsel