Press Release

Friday, September 25, 2026

Fatal Collision Involving Turlock Transit Bus Under Investigation

Turlock, Ca – On September 24, 2026, at approximately 8:10 p.m., Turlock Police
officers were dispatched to a hit-and-run collision on Lander Avenue, just north of
Highway 99.

The preliminary investigation determined that a white Kia sedan, driven by Kevin
Wooten, 53-year-old of Turlock, collided with another vehicle before leaving the scene.
No injuries were reported in the initial collision.

While officers were responding to the first collision, Turlock Police received a report of a
second collision near High Street and West Avenue South involving the same Kia and a
Turlock Transit bus.

Investigators determined Wooten was traveling westbound on High Street when he
failed to stop at the intersection of West Avenue South and collided with the Turlock
Transit bus. The impact caused the bus to leave the roadway and strike a nearby
residence, partially entering the home. The residence was unoccupied at the time.

The collision also damaged a fire hydrant and a natural gas line, requiring the
intersection to be closed while emergency crews and PG&E responded.

When officers arrived, Wooten was found unresponsive inside the Kia. Despite
lifesaving efforts, Wooten was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Turlock Transit bus was occupied only by its driver, who sustained serious injuries
and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver is expected to make a
full recovery.

The Turlock Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded
and is continuing to investigate the collision. It is not known at this time whether drugs
or alcohol played a factor in the incident. Toxicology test results are pending.

This case remains under investigation by the Turlock Police Department’s Major
Accident Investigation Team. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is
encouraged to contact Officer Ferreira at (209) 668-6576.

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The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program.
Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 or
(866) 602-7463 and you may be eligible for a cash reward. You can also leave an
anonymous tip online at www.stancrimetips.org or by texting “StanCS” to 738447. The
P3 app is also available for download for Apple and Android devices.

To receive more detailed, up-to-date information directly from the Turlock Police
Department via e-mail or text message, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com or
more directly at https://local.nixle.com/register/.

For additional information, follow our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and
X.

This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Public Affairs Analyst
Dominique Roton.

Any media requests should contact:
Public Affairs Analyst Dominique Roton
Turlock Police Department
Office phone – (209) 656-3148
Email – droton@turlock.ca.us

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