Driver of Stolen car hits tree and dies

   According to Modesto Police, a man who was driving recklessly died after he collided with a tree in a stolen car on July 2, 2015.

   Apparently an officer saw a man in a Mercedes driving at a high rate of speed down Oakdale Road toward Briggsmore Avenue in Modesto.

   The officer attempted to catch up to the Mercedes as it turned onto Wylie Drive, but quickly lost sight of it.

   A couple of minutes later, the officer discovered the driver had collided with a tree and the car was on fire.

   Officers at the scene provided CPR to the driver as emergency crews worked to extinguish the fire.
The driver suffered major injuries and paramedics pronounced him deceased.

   Shortly after the collision 911 received a call from a victim saying her car had just been stolen near the Oakdale Road and Merle Avenue area.

   Officers confirmed the Mercedes involved in the collision was the car the victim had reported stolen. 

   The driver of the Mercedes was the sole occupant and has not yet been identified.

    As standard practice in a fatal vehicle collision, the Modesto Police Department Traffic Unit has initiated a comprehensive collision investigation. 

    This investigation is in the early stages and witness statements as well as physical evidence is being thoroughly evaluated before any collision factor or cause will be determined.