2 unhoused women killed after car crashes into tent in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An unhoused woman was killed and another later died in the hospital after a driver crashed into their tent while trying to get away from a traffic stop.

It happened after 1 am on Monday on Ashlan near Highway 41.

Officials say a Fresno County Sheriff's deputy had tried to pull over 39-year-old Erica Jones but she refused to stop.

The deputy ended up losing sight of Jones after she pulled off the highway and got back on in the opposite direction.

A short time later, investigators say Jones crashed into a tent with two women sleeping inside.

Both women were taken to the hospital in critical condition.

One of the women, identified as 30-year-old Brianna Britten, later passed away from her injuries at the hospital.

The second woman, identifed as 61-year-old Kathy Esqueda died from her injuries in the hospital days later.

Fresno Police were called to assist with the investigation.

Police say Jones and a teen got out of her car after the crash and started to run away.

Jones was later arrested near Blackstone and Ashlan avenues.

She has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of felony DUI and murder.

Officials say she has a prior conviction for DUI.