A vehicle which crashed and burned in front of Davis Guest Home on Hatch Road Saturday evening had been struck seconds before by a black colored 2006 Mercedes-Benz whose occupants fled the scene.

Police suspect that the owner of the Mercedes was telling a lie when the abandoned car was reported stolen nine minutes later and hope someone can confirm their suspicions.

The crash occurred at 10:31 p.m. Ceres Police say the 2009 Ford pickup, driven by Camilo Rivera, 45, of Ceres, was eastbound on Hatch Road in the far south lane when the Mercedes came barreling through the stop sign at Stonum Road without stopping and hit it. The pickup caught on fire and River, his wife and daughter got out with minor injuries.

After the collision witnesses said two women wearing party dresses exited the damaged Mercedes and ran northbound on Stonum Road. Nine minutes after the collision the owner of the Mercedes-Benz reported her car stolen.

“Officers spoke to the owner and obtained a statement but believe there is more to the story,” said Ceres Police Department spokesman Lt. Chris Perry.

The Ceres Police Traffic Unit is investigating the incident and is urging the public for help. Anyone with information is urged to call Ceres Police traffic officers at 538-5642.