A house sitter was killed early Tuesday, June 9, 2026, when a driver fleeing the California Highway Patrol crashed into a Modesto home and sparked a fire, authorities said. The crash happened near Robin Hood Drive and Tuxford Lane in north Modesto around 1:30 a.m. The driver, 20-year-old Zachariah Knobel, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on multiple felony charges, including second-degree murder. If your family lost someone in a crash caused by an impaired driver, our Modesto car accident attorneys are here to help.
What Happened in the Modesto Pursuit Crash?
A person who was house-sitting inside a Modesto home was killed after a fleeing driver crashed into the residence and started a fire. The California Highway Patrol said the pursuit began around 1:20 a.m. when officers tried to stop a speeding vehicle; the driver ran multiple red lights before losing control near Robin Hood Drive and Tuxford Lane, crashing through protective boulders and slamming into the home. The vehicle burst into flames, though crews largely contained the fire to the car. The driver and an 18-year-old female passenger were pulled from the vehicle; the passenger suffered minor injuries and was released to her mother. The homeowners were out of state, and the victim's identity has not been released. Families facing a sudden, preventable loss like this can learn how a wrongful death claim works in California.
Our Thoughts Are With the Victim's Family
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the person who lost their life in this crash. Losing someone so suddenly and senselessly is a grief beyond words, and our thoughts are with everyone affected, including the neighbors and first responders who answered the call in the middle of the night.
Talk to Frank Penney Injury Lawyers
Frank Penney Injury Lawyers has recovered over $1 billion for accident victims across Northern California, and we fight for every client like family. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. Call 888-888-0566 or reach out for a free consultation to discuss a DUI crash or wrongful death claim with our team.