Oakdale mother suspected of DUI in crash that killed her 4-year-old, CHP says
HICKMAN – A 4-year-old girl in Stanislaus County died after a crash in which her mother was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol on Sunday.
Just after 11 p.m. Saturday, the CHP got a call about a crash near Arlberg and Canal Bank roads, about 30 minutes west of Modesto, near the town of Hickman.
The CHP said the driver of a Subaru was headed south on Arlberg Road when she let the vehicle veer off the road. The car sideswiped a telephone pole and then crossed Canal Bank Road and went up the embankment.
The Subaru then entered the waterway and became submerged. The CHP said inside the vehicle was 26-year-old Juliette Acosta of Oakdale and her 4-year-old daughter, later identified as Reagan Herron from Hughson.
Acosta's uncle, who lives nearby, heard the crash, ran to the scene, and was able to rescue Acosta. The Modesto Fire Department said the two were found on top of the vehicle and that they reported a girl was still missing. According to the CHP, the 4-year-old girl was still in the vehicle.
A Stanislaus County deputy who arrived at the scene entered the waterway and rescued the 4-year-old, the CHP said. The girl was taken to Memorial Medical Center, where she later died. An autopsy has not been completed.
Acosta was not injured.
The CHP said Acosta showed "objective signs of intoxication" and arrested her. She was later booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on suspicion of felony DUI and was released on bail on Monday, according to the county Sheriff's Office.
"The Modesto CHP would like to recognize the heroic efforts from the Stanislaus County Sheriff Deputy and family member on scene," the CHP said.