A 4-year-old girl from California died in a car accident after her mom allegedly drove into a canal east of Modesto. She was reportedly under the influence at the time.
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According to a report by People, Juliette Acosta, 26, drove into an irrigation canal outside Modesto at around 11 PM on Saturday, 8 March. Acosta's 4-year-old daughter was also in the vehicle, and her Subaru SUV was traveling at an unknown speed.
The California Highway Patrol explained that Acosta's uncle lives near the canal and went to help after hearing about the accident. The uncle was able to rescue Acosta, but the child was still trapped in the submerged SUV. It took the combined efforts of the uncle and a Stanislaus County deputy to free the child. A spokesperson for CHP Modesto said the deputy "heroically, and without hesitation, entered the frigid water and rescued" the driver's daughter with help from the child's uncle.
Per a report by FOX 40, Acosta was allegedly traveling southbound on Arlberg Road before 'sideswiping' a telephone pole and driving into the water. Emergency Services reportedly transported the child to a Modesto hospital. According to the Modesto Bee, authorities planned to take the 4-year-old via helicopter. But "it was determined that the patient was not stable enough to be flown," per the Fire Department. Authorities have not revealed the extent of the child's injuries, but medical staff were unable to save her at the Memorial Medical Center.
The Mom Displayed 'Signs Of Intoxication'
Acosta escaped the crash with no injuries, although the California Highway Patrol described her as having "objective signs of intoxication." Authorities reportedly booked her into a Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on suspicion of felony DUI. It's unknown if Acosta has entered a plea.
A press release by the CHP praised the deputy's quick action: "The Modesto CHP would like to recognize the heroic efforts from the Stanislaus County Sheriff Deputy and family member on scene. Law enforcement officers take an oath to risk their own lives rather than swerve from the path of duty. Although unharmed, this deputy did exactly that."
