FRESNO, CA — A six-months-pregnant woman lost her baby after being involved in a serious Fresno crash caused by a driver who was fleeing from police while under the influence of methamphetamine, authorities said.
The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon, shortly after 2:00 p.m., when an officer spotted a vehicle matching the description of one connected to a shooting that took place the previous week. Officers attempted to pull the driver over near Belmont and Bond, but he refused to stop and sped away, initiating a high-speed pursuit.
During the chase, the suspect ran a red light at Belmont and Olive, crashing violently into a car carrying the pregnant woman. The impact was so severe that both vehicles ended up in the front yard of a nearby home.
The woman was trapped inside the wreckage, requiring firefighters to free her. She was then transported to the hospital in critical condition, where doctors confirmed she had lost her baby.
The driver, identified as 22-year-old Jimmy Keonhothy of Fresno, was arrested at the scene. Police say he showed clear signs of being under the influence of methamphetamine. After receiving medical attention, Keonhothy was booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of murder, felony DUI causing injury, and felony evading. Authorities also confirmed that he did not have a valid driver’s license.
Inside the vehicle, officers found a firearm and illegal drugs. Investigators later confirmed that the car matched surveillance footage from a weapons-related crime committed in August 2020, and additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
Keonhothy has an extensive criminal history, including more than ten prior arrests for vehicle theft, along with multiple charges for burglary and theft.
The Fresno Police Department continues investigating the events that led to this tragedy, as the community mourns the loss of an innocent life and calls for justice.
