CHP seeks suspect in hit-and-run that injured Ceres boy

The California Highway Patrol is looking for the man believed responsible for a five-vehicle collision on Crows Landing Road that caused major injuries to a 12-year-old boy Tuesday night.

Francisco Javier Maldonado, 40, of Modesto was driving a Chevrolet pickup south on Crows Landing at about 70 mph approaching Hatch Road where the posted speed limit is 45 mph, CHP Officer Chuck Leon said.

Maldonado ran a red light at Hatch Road, smashing into a Honda Accord traveling east through the intersection. The impact pushed the Honda into a Nissan Versa in the next lane.

The Honda continued east and hit a Chevrolet Avalanche facing west in the left-turn lane, Leon said.

Maldonado’s pickup spun out of control and hit a Toyota Prius in the left-turn lane from northbound Crows Landing.

Maldonado and his passenger got out of the pickup and fled, Leon said.

The driver of the Honda, Jesus Cruz, 53, of Ceres, and his 12-year-old son Jesus Cruz Jr. suffered major injuries.

Cruz Jr. had trauma to his abdomen and head. A medical helicopter landed at nearby Shackelford Elementary School and took the boy to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

Cruz Sr. was taken by ambulance to Doctors Medical Center with lacerations to his head.

The driver of the Nissan, 44-year-old Maria De Leon, was taken to Memorial Medical Center with minor injuries.

The drivers of the other two vehicles were not injured.

Anyone with information about the crash or Maldonado’s whereabouts can call Leon or Officer Michael Ferreira at 209-545-7445.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 2:58 PM with the headline "CHP seeks suspect in hit-and-run that injured Ceres boy."