MADERA COUNTY, Calif. – A heavily damaged truck and a destroyed car blocked Ellis Street near Fairview Street in Madera County before sunrise on Monday when a fatal collision took the life of a young woman.
A man has been arrested following the accident, suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that 38-year-old Michael Messer was driving his truck eastbound on Ellis Street just before 4 a.m.
“The male driver, once again, was going in the wrong direction and collided head-on with the Chevy Malibu,” said Officer Javier Ruvalcaba of the Madera CHP.
Messer was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered serious injuries. He was transported to a hospital in Fresno and later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. “There were numerous pieces of evidence in the vehicle,” said Officer Javier Ruvalcaba. “Alcohol containers and other drug-related paraphernalia were found.”
Court records reveal that this is not Messer’s first arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. In 2018, he was arrested for DUI. He pleaded not guilty and was placed on three years of probation.
In 2020, he was arrested again for DUI. His license was suspended during the legal process. He failed to appear at a hearing, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
According to the CHP, since January 1, 2023, there have been 67 DUI-related accidents in the Madera County area. This figure is lower compared to the 103 DUI accidents that occurred during the same period last year. However, arrests have increased.
So far this year, the Madera CHP has arrested 456 individuals for DUI. This contrasts with the 365 arrests during the same period last year.
“Driving, drinking, and getting behind the wheel increases the likelihood of being arrested, especially in Madera, where we enforce the laws proactively,” said Officer Ruvalcaba.
The fatal collision in Madera County highlights the terrible consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. No one should risk themselves and others by driving while intoxicated.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of a drunk driver, you have the right to seek justice and compensation for damages and injuries suffered.
Contact Farahi Law Firm today to get the legal defense you need.
