Deadly Crash involving Sheriff’s Deputy Car in Newman, CA

A sheriff’s deputy vehicle T-boned 21-year-old Saul Betancourt’s car on Monday morning in Newman, CA.

Sadly, Betancourt died at the scene of the crash which occurred around 7 a .m. at the intersection of River Road and Villa Manucha Road. 

Sheriff Deputy Eric Fulmer, 34, was traveling in a Nissan with his lights and sirens on prior to hitting Betancourt. 

Betancourt was driving a Chevrolet coupe when Fulmer T-boned his vehicle. 

The passenger in the Chevrolet, 19-year-old Maria Prado, was rushed to Doctors Medical Center with major injuries. Prado may have also suffered a concussion upon impact. 

In addition, Fulmer sustained major injuries, including a broken leg and had to undergo surgery. 

CHP are actively investigating the collision. 

JT Legal Group sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Saul Betancourt.

According to statistics, the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths for police officers are motor-vehicle related (43%). 

Law enforcement officers face multiple hazards when driving. Some that may put them at risk while on duty are:

• Speeding through intersections
• Distracted by usage of electronic device/radio
• Tunnel vision from stress and/or overly focused
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Exhausted from consecutive days worked or length of shift 

Contact JT Legal Group at (888) 529-3111 if you need legal assistance following an accident.