Chowchilla, CA (October 5, 2025) – A Chowchilla police officer, identified as Raymond Barrantes, was killed Sunday morning in a crash while on duty, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Accident Details: The crash happened around 8 a.m. near Highway 152 and Road 16. Officer Barrantes was driving a marked patrol vehicle when it collided with another car under circumstances that remain under investigation. Emergency responders found Barrantes with critical injuries and attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities closed Highway 152 in both directions for several hours while they examined the scene and cleared debris. The roadway reopened later in the afternoon. CHP confirmed that no passengers were in either vehicle at the time of the collision.
Investigation: The California Highway Patrol’s Central Division Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team is leading the inquiry. Investigators are collecting evidence from the scene, including vehicle positions, impact patterns, and possible mechanical failures. They will also review video footage and interview witnesses to determine the sequence of events. Early reports indicate that alcohol or drugs do not appear to be factors in the crash.
Legal Considerations: When an on-duty officer is killed in a crash, both internal and external reviews are conducted to assess all contributing factors. These evaluations often include examination of vehicle condition, maintenance records, and operational procedures. If negligence, defective equipment, or third-party actions are found to have contributed, additional liability may arise. Families of fallen officers may be eligible for state and departmental line-of-duty benefits as well as civil claims, depending on the findings.
Officer Barrantes’s passing represents a profound loss to the Chowchilla Police Department and the broader community he served. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Source: ABC30