Police arrest drivers involved in alleged street race that preceded deadly Merced crash

Andrew Kuhn
·1 min read
16

Two drivers accused of being involved in an illegal street race that preceded a fatal October 2022 crash have been arrested, Merced police said.

The suspects, identified as 26-year-old Jose Ramirez Moreno and 21-year old Alize Jacob Luh, were arrested Monday afternoon at their homes in Merced, according to Sgt. Nathan McKinnon.

The two men were allegedly involved in a street race in Merced on Oct. 26, 2022. Moreno was driving a black Camaro and Luh was driving a blue BMW, according to a Merced Police Department news release. Police said that at about 1:30 p.m., the two men were racing south on M Street at speeds of more than 80 mph.

At the intersection of M Street and Buena Vista Drive, the Camaro struck a vehicle killing its driver, 67-year-old Frances Palm, and injuring her granddaughter, according to authorities. Police said Luh avoided a collision and fled form the scene of the crash.

Following a nearly five-month investigation, the Merced County District Attorney’s Office issued warrants for the arrest of both drivers. The men were booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony manslaughter and driving with gross negligence.

Authorities said Luh has since posted bail.

Police ask anyone with information regarding the alleged crime to contact Officer McKeeman at 209-385-6905 or by email at mckeemanc@cityofmerced.org. Some crimes can be reported through the Merced Police Department website and anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 209-385-4725.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through the Merced Area Crime Stoppers website.