The sources of public safety seem to have again collided with the forces of public danger on the roadways of Ceres. According to a social media post from the Ceres Police Department, a DUI driver was arrested last Monday night after their vehicle struck a police patrol car. It was around 10:44 p.m. when a Ceres Police Sergeant, positioned in the northbound turn lane of Herndon Road and responding to a different call, found his vehicle crashed head-on by a southbound driver.
The sergeant had turned on his emergency lights, intending to clearly signal and warn off the oncoming driver. However, the driver, identified as Cynthia Rae Winkler, did not seem to register the cue, as she failed to slow or halt, resulting in the collision. Officers responding to the incident confronted both Winkler and the sergeant, detecting signs of alcohol intoxication from Winkler. Further tests and investigation confirmed that Winkler's blood alcohol concentration was nearing three times over the legal limit. Notably, this incident marks the second in less than a week where Ceres Police have been on the receiving end of a DUI collision.
Winkler, found to be on active probation for a previous DUI arrest, was promptly arrested and booked for felony DUI charges. She was transferred to the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center without any injuries from the event. The sergeant encountered minor injuries, for which he was treated at the scene before being released. His quick recovery was the only silver lining in an event that could have ended far worse.
In their statement, the Ceres Police Department underscored the danger and illegality of DUI offenses, urging the public to actively prevent impaired driving. They encouraged the use of sober drivers, rideshare services, or simply calling a friend or relative to ensure a safe ride home. "If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911 immediately," they advised, emphasizing community cooperation in keeping the roads clear of such preventable threats.
