Calif. Police Officer Killed in Collision with Tractor-Trailer

"Moments of tragedy like this are devastating to our department and especially the family of this amazing officer," said Chowchilla's police chief following the death of Officer Ray Barrantes in a two-vehicle crash.

By Anthony Galaviz

Source The Fresno Bee

Oct. 5, 2025

What to know

Chowchilla Police Officer Ray Barrantes was killed Friday night in a crash involving a patrol vehicle and a tractor-trailer.
The California Highway Patrol is investigating the collision, and no details have been released about the cause.
Chowchilla Police Chief Jeff Palmer said the department is devastated and mourning the loss of a respected officer with many years of service.

Chowchilla, CA, Police Officer Ray Barrantes, who was killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer.

Editor's note: Ray Barrantes has been identified as the Chowchilla police officer killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer.

A Chowchilla on-duty police officer was killed in a collision with a semi Friday night.

The victim’s name was not released.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the collision, which happened just after 10:30 p.m. and involved the patrol vehicle and a semi.

The crash happened at Highway 152 and Road 13. The officer was pronounced dead at the scene.

No information was given as to what led up to the incident, but the Chowchilla Police Department said “additional details will be released as they become available.”

Chowchilla police chief Jeff Palmer issued a statement.

“Moments of tragedy like this are devastating to our department and especially the family of this amazing officer. It is going to take time for our department to heal from this tragic loss,” Palmer said.

Police added that the officer “was a dedicated and respected member of our department and had many years of dedicated law enforcement service.”

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