Authorities investigate two Merced County crashes that left pedestrians dead

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Authorities in the North Valley are investigating two crashes that killed pedestrians in less than 24 hours.

Detectives are hoping surveillance images will help them catch the driver who crashed into a man on 16th near O Street Friday night. It was all captured by a camera and employees at the nearby auto resources dealership saw the disturbing aftermath. "We were just out here moving cars," salesman Amir Taha said. "We're opening up our new lot, and some guy came up and said call 911, there's a body in the street."

Police say the driver was heading west in this newer model Dodge Dart when he hit the victim. But instead of calling for help, he moved the man's body away from his car and pulled into a parking lot before driving away from the scene.

"It's unbelievable," manager Jose Aviles said. "The proper thing was to do the right thing and stop. Obviously, they were hiding something."

Less than 24 hours later, police were called to another deadly crash involving a pedestrian. They say a woman in her late 50's to early 60's was struck by a car on north Highway 59 near Bear Creek Drive. Officers believe she may have been drinking, and in this case, the driver did the right thing.

"The driver remained at the scene for the officers to complete their investigation," said Capt. Bimley West of the Merced Police Department.

Police are still investigating both cases, and the names of the victims have not yet been released.