The source of information for this notice is Hollister-Gilroy CHP.
The Hollister-Gilroy CHP is seeking information from the community regarding the collision or the events leading up to the collision that occurred on Feb. 25 on McCloskey Road in Hollister.
According to the report that was released on Monday from the CHP Hollister-Gilroy area office, at approximately 5 p.m. on Feb. 25, authorities responded to a single-vehicle accident on McCloskey Road, just east of San Felipe Road. Jesus Mora, 30, of Hollister, had been driving a GMC Sierra westbound on McCloskey Road with two children in the front seat, when he drifted completely off the roadway onto the dirt shoulder, losing control of his vehicle and slamming into a wooden utility pole.
The CHP believes he was intoxicated.
The report went on to say that Mora’s 6-year-old passenger was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics and that a 7-year-old boy was flown to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center with major injuries.
The report stated that the driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to Hazel Hawkins Hospital in Hollister. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and driving while intoxicated, causing bodily injury. He was booked into San Benito County Jail.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call 408-848-2324 and speak with Officer Jesse Christiansen or Sergeant Robert MacLean. "You can remain anonymous," the CHP statement said. See the previous BenitoLink report on this accident.
CHP stated that the county saw several fatal accidents last weekend. San Benito County Sheriff Captain Eric Taylor said that "three of the four recent fatal crashes have occurred in San Benito County where our office did not investigate the crashes, but acted only as the coroner.
"Our hearts are heavy and our condolences go out to the families and all those affected by these tragedies," Taylor added.
The statement said the next of kin have been notified and the identities of the victims are as follows:
Michael Gonzalez, 43, of Gilroy. The accident occurred on Hwy 156 at San Felipe Rd, Hollister on 02-25-18 at 1546 hours.
Camilo Mora-Valles, 6, of Salinas. The accident occurred on the 400 block of McCloskey Road, Hollister on 02-25-18 at 1700 hours.
Steve Lawrence, 52, of Hollister. The accident occurred on Shore Road, nearest San Felipe Road, Hollister on 02-26-18 at 1518 hours.
In a press release the CHP reminds drivers to obey all traffic laws.
"Please watch your speed as speed is a major factor in most collisions. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Wear your seat belt. Seat belts save lives and prevent injuries. Do not put your own life at risk, or the life of your family or friends. Buckle up. You increase your chances of surviving a serious collision by 50 percent when you choose to wear your seat belt," the CHP said.
The CHP also reminds drivers that if they "witness unsafe driving behavior such as reckless driving or suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please call 911 immediately to report the incident."
