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1 dead, police officers bitten, 1 arrested in major crash in Reedley

1 dead, police officers bitten, 1 arrested in major crash in Reedley

One person is dead and another has been arrested following a major crash in Reedley that resulted in police officers being bitten on Wednesday morning.

The California Highway Patrol said two men in their 20s were traveling westbound on Vino Street near Jim Savage Street in a Honda Accord.

The car went off the road and into an orchard, hitting more than a dozen trees and overturning several times for about 250 feet.

Since the driver and passenger were not wearing seat belts, they were both ejected from the vehicle.

The driver, Isael Acevedo, 18, of Reedley, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The passenger, 18-year-old Jorge Medina, was pulled to safety by nearby workers and suffered minor injuries.

They say Medina became aggressive and combative while in the ambulance.

Two police officers were bitten when they tried to restrain him in Medina.

He was arrested on a charge of assault on a peace officer. His bail was set at $30,000.

Officers say they believe Medina may be mentally ill.

They also believe alcohol played a role in the crash but are still waiting for toxicology reports.

The investigation into the accident continues.