Tragedy on Herndon Road: Police Sergeant Injured in DUI Crash in Ceres
Ceres, CA – A peaceful Monday night turned chaotic when a Ceres Police Sergeant was injured in a shocking head-on collision involving a suspected drunk driver. The accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on November 10 in the 2300 block of Herndon Road, leaving the community both alarmed and outraged over the dangers of impaired driving.
According to the Ceres Police Department, the on-duty sergeant was stopped in the northbound turn lane when he noticed a vehicle approaching at a concerning speed. In an effort to alert the driver, the sergeant activated the patrol car’s emergency lights — but despite the clear warning, the oncoming vehicle failed to slow down. Moments later, it slammed head-on into the patrol car, sending a wave of shock through the quiet neighborhood.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where the sergeant was treated for minor injuries. While the injuries were not life-threatening, the emotional and physical toll of the crash was undeniable. What could have been a routine night on duty quickly turned into a frightening reminder of the risks officers face every day — especially when others make reckless choices behind the wheel.
Drunk Driving Suspect Identified: Arrest Made After Dangerous Collision
Authorities later identified the driver of the other vehicle as Cynthia Rae Winkler, who is now facing serious DUI charges. Investigators suspect that alcohol impairment played a key role in the crash, a claim supported by her erratic driving behavior prior to impact.
Following the collision, Winkler was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center, where she faces multiple charges related to driving under the influence. The Ceres Police Department confirmed that an investigation remains ongoing to determine her exact blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the incident and any other contributing factors that led to the crash.
For many in the Ceres community, this crash has reignited the urgent conversation surrounding drunk driving prevention. Every year, impaired driving leads to countless injuries and fatalities — and this incident serves as yet another painful reminder that one reckless decision can have life-altering consequences for everyone involved.
A Wake-Up Call for the Community: Support for Our Officers
The injured sergeant, whose name has not yet been released, is expected to recover, but the emotional impact of this event has deeply affected his fellow officers and the residents of Ceres. Local community members have expressed an outpouring of support, gratitude, and frustration — gratitude that the officer survived, but anger that drunk driving continues to endanger innocent lives, including those who dedicate their careers to protecting others.
Drunk driving remains one of the most preventable causes of road tragedies, yet it persists due to negligence and irresponsibility. The Ceres Police Department is using this incident as an opportunity to remind the public to always drive sober, stay alert, and think twice before getting behind the wheel impaired.
As the investigation continues, one truth stands out: this collision could have easily ended in an even greater tragedy. For now, the Ceres community breathes a sigh of relief that their sergeant is alive — but also stands united in demanding safer roads, stricter accountability, and greater awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence.