The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating a two vehicle crash that claimed the life of an on-duty officer with the Chowchilla Police Department on Friday.
The crash took place at 10:37 p.m. on October 3, 2025, on SR-152 at Road 13 in Chowchilla, California.
CHP describes the action leading up to the fatal crash:
“A 36-year-old man from Firebaugh, California, was driving a Freightliner, pulling a set of doubles, loaded with tomatoes. He was traveling southbound on Road 13, traversing the intersection at SR-152. An on-duty Chowchilla Police Officer was driving a marked Chowchilla Police Department patrol vehicle (Ford Explorer), eastbound on SR-152, within the number one lane, approaching the intersection at Road 13. As the Freightliner attempted to cross the eastbound lanes of the intersection, the front of the patrol vehicle struck the right side of the Freightliner’s rear trailer. The patrol vehicle became stuck under the trailer. Tomatoes spilled onto the roadway and both vehicles came to rest blocking both traffic lanes on Road 13, and the south road edge of eastbound SR-152.“
Chowchilla Police Department Officer Ray Barrantes died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The truck driver was not hurt.
CHP said that drugs and alcohol are not thought to be factors in the crash.
CHP’s Central Division Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T) is investigating the cause of the crash.
“The California Highway Patrol stands with the Chowchilla Police Department as they mourn the loss of one of their own. Our deepest condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends, and fellow officers. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day while serving and protecting their community,” CHP said.