Motorcyclist killed in crash near Stockton California

A Stockton motorcyclist was killed Monday north of Manteca and the man driving the truck he ran into faces criminal charges.

The 24-year-old motorcyclist was traveling east on French Camp Road just west of Highway 99 about 6:30 a.m. A two-axle truck designed for cleaning septic tanks that was traveling west turned south toward West Frontage Road and drove into the path of the motorcyclist, according to the California Highway Patrol. The motorcyclist hit the rear axle of the truck and suffered fatal injuries.

Moments later, another vehicle traveling east on French Camp Road struck the rider and motorcycle. The motorcycle was wedged under the car and caught fire as it skidded forward.
The driver of the septic truck momentarily stopped but then but then proceeded south on West Frontage Road, according to the CHP. Construction workers called 911 and chased the septic truck.

CHP Officer James Smith said the truck driver, 60-year-old Herminio Ponce, was not arrested but that CHP investigators recommended the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office file felony charges of hit-and-run, vehicular manslaughter and driving on a suspended license.