The Central Valley High School student who crashed a car on Blaker Road resulting in the death of a 16-year-old classmate was arrested this week.

The teenager – his identity was not released – was booked into Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall on charges of driving without a license and vehicle manslaughter with gross negligence.

The crash occurred on March 11 in the 4200 block of Blaker Road.

Passenger Sergio Alfaro was killed instantly after he was ejected when the car struck a telephone pole on the east side of the road. Three other Central Valley High School male students riding the vehicle sustained minor to moderate injuries. One was partially trapped until extricated by firefighters. A 16-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys are recovering. Their names have not been released because they are minors.

The Ceres Police Department Major Accident Investigation team are still conducting an investigation but have learned the driver of the 03 Infiniti G35 was passing another northbound vehicle on the rural road when he lost control. Investigators are still sorting through the evidence and are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information regarding the collision. They are asked to contact Officer Freddie Ortiz at 538-5678.

The crash preempted the planned “Every 15 Minutes” program which had been scheduled to take the next morning place at Ceres High School. The event is designed to simulate what can happen when a person drives while intoxicated. That event will not be rescheduled this year, said Ceres Police Department spokesman Sgt. Greg Yotsuya.

Central Valley High School has grief counsellors available to any students affected by this tragic event.