An on-duty police officer died in a crash involving a semi truck on Friday night, October 3, 2025, in Chowchilla, California.
What happened: The crash took place just after 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of SR-152 and Road 13.
- A Freightliner hauling double trailers loaded with tomatoes was crossing the intersection, heading southbound on Road 13.
- The police officer, driving east on SR-152 in a marked patrol SUV, collided with the rear trailer of the semi as it moved through the intersection.
- The officer’s SUV ended up lodged under the trailer, and tomatoes spilled across the road.
- Both vehicles came to rest blocking the lanes, causing closures in the area.
The outcome: Officer Ray Barrantes of the Chowchilla Police Department died at the scene. The truck driver was not injured.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol said there was no sign that drugs or alcohol played a part in the crash. Their accident team is still looking into what caused the wreck.