Madera man, 35, dies in suspected drunk driving crash

A 35-year-old Madera man was killed Monday night in a high-speed collision on Road 26 just north of Club Drive, according to the California Highway Patrol. Alcohol is suspected as a factor in the collision, according to police.

Fredy Rufino Lazaro (Perez) was northbound about 9:30 when his late model Mazda drifted into sound-bound traffic, sideswiping a Chevy Silverado and crashing into an oncoming Chevy Tahoe. Lazaro was pronounced dead at the scene. The Madera driver of the Silverado was taken to Community Regional Medical Center with major injuries.

Records indicate Lazaro had at least one prior arrest for DUI, may not have been licensed to drive and was recently arrested when he failed to appear in court and pay fines on the previous DUI charge.

The force of the crash spun all vehicles around, resulting in closing Road 26 for several hours as crews worked to extricate the injured and clear the scene.