Central Valley Top News Today: Fatal Crash, Tornado Damage, Fresno Arrests, Courts & Local Updates

Central California had a busy news day on Friday, April 24, 2026. Central Valley news today includes major updates from across Central California, including a deadly Bakersfield crash, a Fresno arrest, confirmed tornado damage, court updates, a Modesto DUI checkpoint, and a Merced County firearms case.

Below is today’s Central Valley Entertainment roundup.

3 Killed In High-Speed Crash In Southwest Bakersfield

Bakersfield police are investigating a deadly high-speed crash in southwest Bakersfield. BakersfieldNow reported that three people were killed near Summer Springs Drive and Harris Road. The story was updated Friday, April 24.

This remains a developing public safety story. Police have not released every detail about what led up to the crash. However, the confirmed information shows this was one of the most serious traffic incidents reported in Kern County this week.

Fresno Unified Workers Help Stop Suspected Kidnapper

Watch our short on Youtube that illustrates what happened.

In Fresno, Fresno Unified workers helped stop a suspected kidnapper after a vehicle was allegedly stolen with children inside. ABC30 reported that the children were found safe and that the suspect remained in custody on charges that included kidnapping and child endangerment.

The story has drawn attention because nearby workers acted quickly when they realized children were involved. The case now moves through the legal system.

Missing Employee Investigation Underway In Fowler

Authorities are investigating after a National Raisin Company employee was reported missing following an incident in Fowler. ABC30 reported the story Friday morning and described the search as urgent.

Officials have not released every detail about the incident. For now, the confirmed information is that the missing man is connected to National Raisin Company and that investigators are searching for answers.

Stockton Man Charged In Two Sexual Assault Attacks

In Stockton, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office has charged a 35-year-old man in connection with two separate sexual assault attacks. Stocktonia reported that the man was arraigned on multiple violent felony sexual assault charges and could face a potential life sentence if convicted.

These are allegations at this stage. The suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Sacramento K Street Mass Shooting Trial Continues

In Sacramento, testimony continued in the K Street mass shooting trial. The Sacramento Bee reported that witnesses described fear and chaos from the April 2022 shooting that killed six people and wounded 12 others.

Dandrae Martin and Mtula Payton each face three murder charges. The trial remains active, and jurors will decide the case based on the evidence presented in court.

Four Tornadoes Confirmed Across The Central Valley

The National Weather Service confirmed four tornadoes across the Central Valley from Tuesday’s storm system. ABC30 reported that the confirmed tornadoes affected areas near Biola, Clovis, Atwater, and Terra Bella.

The Atwater tornado was rated EF-1, lasted about nine minutes, and had estimated peak winds of 110 miles per hour.

The storms damaged homes, barns, trees, and farm areas. They also reminded Central Valley residents that severe weather can happen here.

Fresno Drops Cesar Chavez Name From Nearly 7-Mile Road Stretch

The City of Fresno voted to remove the Cesar Chavez name from a nearly seven-mile road stretch. ABC30 reported that city leaders chose to return the corridor to its original three names.

The issue has created debate over history, identity, addresses, business impacts, and public recognition.

Modesto Police Plan DUI Checkpoint Friday Night

The Modesto Police Department is planning a DUI checkpoint for Friday night, April 24. The Modesto Bee reported the checkpoint, and a department announcement said it would run from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Police use DUI checkpoints to discourage impaired driving and reduce crashes.

Patterson School Embezzlement Case Gets Restitution Order

A court has ordered $750,000 in restitution in a Patterson school embezzlement case. The Modesto Bee reported that the order is tied to a larger $1.5 million case.

This case matters because it involves school funds, public trust, and taxpayer accountability.

Merced County Search Warrant Leads To Guns And Narcotics Arrest

Merced County authorities arrested a 29-year-old man after a search warrant reportedly uncovered firearms and illegal drugs. GV Wire reported that the search happened at a Perez Drive home and that authorities found firearms, cocaine, and psilocybin mushrooms.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Elias Camarillo and said he was booked into the Merced County Jail.

Bonus Regional Update: New Central Valley State Parks Planned

California officials announced a plan to create three new state parks in the Central Valley. California State Parks said the plan would bring the statewide total to 283 state park sites.

Two major local pieces include the San Joaquin River Parkway near Fresno and Madera County, and Dust Bowl Camp in Kern County. ABC30 reported that Governor Newsom toured Sycamore Island in Madera County as part of the announcement.

Quick Facts

• Bakersfield police are investigating a crash that killed three people.
• Fresno Unified workers helped stop a suspected kidnapper after children were found safe.
• A National Raisin Company employee is missing after an incident in Fowler.
• A Stockton man faces violent felony sexual assault charges.
• Sacramento’s K Street mass shooting trial continued this week.
• Four tornadoes were confirmed across the Central Valley.
• Fresno voted to remove the Cesar Chavez name from a nearly seven-mile road stretch.
• Modesto police plan a DUI checkpoint Friday night.
• A Patterson school embezzlement case now includes a $750,000 restitution order.
• Merced County authorities reported a firearms and narcotics arrest.

What Is Confirmed

Officials and local news sources confirmed the main updates listed above. The Bakersfield crash killed three people. Fresno children were found safe after a suspected kidnapping-related incident. Multiple tornadoes touched down in the Central Valley. Modesto police announced a DUI checkpoint. Courts are handling active cases in Patterson, Stockton, Sacramento, and Merced County.

What Is Still Developing

Several stories remain active. Bakersfield police may release more crash details. Fowler investigators may share new information about the missing employee. Stockton and Sacramento court cases will continue. Weather officials and local residents may release more damage updates from the tornadoes.

Closing

Central Valley Entertainment will continue watching these stories and other updates across Fresno, Merced, Modesto, Stockton, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Madera, Los Banos, Atwater, Patterson, Dos Palos, Newman, Gustine, Hilmar, Chowchilla, and nearby Central California towns.