CHP - Merced

This week, several members of the CHP 460 Explorers took part in the Merced County Explorer Academy, a week long live in academy hosted at the University of California, Merced.

Alongside Explorers from agencies throughout Merced County, our Explorers got a firsthand look at what life is like in a law enforcement academy. Their days started early with physical training, followed by drill instruction, classroom learning, leadership development, and teamwork that challenged them both mentally and physically.

The week concluded with a graduation ceremony recognizing the hard work and dedication of every participant. UC Merced Police Chief Her and CHP Assistant Chief Banuelos addressed the graduates, encouraging them as they continue pursuing careers in public service.

A fun fact from graduation: Assistant Chief Banuelos once stood where these Explorers stood. He began his own journey as a CHP Explorer, proving that today’s Explorers can become tomorrow’s leaders.

We are incredibly proud of our Explorers for representing Post 460 with professionalism, discipline, and determination throughout the week. Congratulations to all of the graduates, and thank you to everyone who helped make the Merced County Explorer Academy a success.

UPDATE

All lanes open

TRAFFIC ALERT

Southbound SR-99 north of 16th Street is reduced to one lane after a solo big rig collision. The #2 lane is blocked, and motorists should expect delays while crews remove the truck and repair approximately 100 feet of damaged guardrail.

Incidents like this don’t end when the crash happens. They continue while CHP officers, tow operators, and Caltrans crews work just feet from passing traffic to clear the roadway and get everyone moving again.

As you approach the scene, slow down, stay focused on driving, and move over when it is safe to do so. If you’re traveling near a commercial vehicle, remember that big rigs need more time to stop, have larger blind spots, and require extra room to maneuver. Giving them that space can help prevent crashes before they happen.

A few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference for the people working on the shoulder and for everyone trying to get home.

We’ll provide updates as the scene is cleared.

UPDATE

Merced Falls Road remains closed due to the ongoing vegetation fire.

The current hard closure is in place from La Grange Road to Hornitos Road. Access is restricted to residents, first responders, and government agencies only.

Please continue to avoid the area and use alternate routes. We will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

TRAFFIC ALERT

SR-59 is under escorted one way traffic control due to a vegetation fire between Merced Falls Road and Fields Road.

Motorists should expect delays for the next 3 to 4 hours as fire crews continue their work in the area.

If possible, consider using an alternate route. If you must travel through the area, slow down, stay alert, and follow the directions of emergency personnel.

We appreciate your patience while crews work to contain the fire and reopen the roadway.

TRAFFIC ALERT

SR-59 is under escorted one way traffic control due to a vegetation fire between Merced Falls Road and Fields Road.

Motorists should expect delays for the next 3 to 4 hours as fire crews continue their work in the area.

If possible, consider using an alternate route. If you must travel through the area, slow down, stay alert, and follow the directions of emergency personnel.

We appreciate your patience while crews work to contain the fire and reopen the roadway.

Every emergency response starts with the voice on the other end of the line.

Yesterday, Lieutenant Andrade had the honor of administering the oath of office to the newest members of the CHP Merced Communications Center.

Please join us in welcoming Leah Pender and Lucille Matta to the CHP family.

Leah joins us from Oakdale after serving as an EMT in Tuolumne County, where she answered the call to help others during medical emergencies.

Lucille comes to CHP from Fresno, bringing experience as a private sector dispatcher and a strong foundation in coordinating critical communications.

As Public Safety Dispatchers, they’ll be the calm voice guiding callers through some of their most difficult moments while providing officers and first responders with the information they need to help protect our communities.

Congratulations, Leah and Lucille. Welcome to the California Highway Patrol family, we’re excited to have you on the team.

Another one.

Earlier today, we shared Officer Trenado’s recovery of a VIN switched Honda.

Now we’re sharing another one.

This time, it was a Chevrolet Silverado.

Both of these stolen vehicles were identified during separate enforcement stops within a couple days of each other.

One recovery gets your attention.

A second recovery in the same week makes you stop and wonder…

How many are still out there?

Every stolen vehicle recovered is one less on our roadways, but these two cases are a reminder that this problem may be more common than most people realize.

Do you think VIN switched vehicles are more common than people realize?

How does this keep happening?

Just weeks after recovering a VIN switched white Honda Accord, Officer Trenado found… another one.

Another white Honda Accord.

Another stolen vehicle disguised as a legitimate sale.

Another buyer who thought they had found the deal of a lifetime.

The driver wasn’t the person who stole it. They were someone who answered an online ad, met the seller, paid cash, and drove away believing they had done everything right.

Until one traffic stop.

Officer Trenado has now recovered multiple VIN switched vehicles in just the past few months. That’s not luck. It’s experience, attention to detail, and knowing exactly what to look for.

The scary part?

Most people would never know they were driving a stolen vehicle until it’s too late.

Before you buy a vehicle from a private seller, slow down. Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true. Spending a few extra minutes could save you thousands of dollars.

TRAFFIC ALERT

Oakdale Road is currently closed between Turlock Road and Looney Road due to a vegetation fire.

Fire crews are actively working the incident and have advised the closure is expected to remain in place for several hours. Merced County Roads is responding to establish a hard closure.

Please avoid the area, use an alternate route, and allow emergency personnel room to work.

We will provide updates as more information becomes available.