Officer Ray Barrantes, a veteran member of the Chowchilla Police Department, was killed on October 4, 2025, when his patrol vehicle collided with a big rig along Highway 152 near Road 13 in Madera County.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 10:30 p.m. A semi-truck was attempting to cross the eastbound lanes of Highway 152 when Barrantes’ patrol car approached. The vehicle struck the right side of the truck’s rear trailer and became wedged underneath as both came to a stop.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but the officer was pronounced dead from his injuries. The truck driver was uninjured, and investigators said DUI was not a factor. The CHP continues to investigate the incident.

“These Are the Calls You Never Want to Get”

“It’s a very tragic accident and a reminder that officers put their lives on the line to serve the community,” CHP spokesperson Sergio Moreno said.

Chowchilla Police Chief Jeff Palmer called the news devastating: “Moments of tragedy like this are heartbreaking for our department and especially for the family of this amazing officer. It’s going to take time for us to heal.”

In the aftermath, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office temporarily took over local calls so the department could grieve together.

A Life of Service

A native of Dos Palos, Barrantes began his career with the Mendota Police Department before serving in West Sacramento and ultimately joining Chowchilla PD. He was known for his professionalism and calm under pressure. He was also regarded as a mentor to younger officers and a stabilizing force in the department.

“I know he had a really strong relationship with some of our newer officers,” Chief Palmer said. “He brought maturity, experience, and compassion — qualities that made him a natural leader. He’s going to be greatly missed.”

Barrantes lived in Chowchilla with his three children and also ran a small business, On Point Apparel, reflecting the same dedication to community that defined his police career.

Tributes From Across the State

Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space flown at half-staff in Barrantes’ honor.

“Jennifer and I are saddened by the loss of Officer Barrantes,” the governor wrote. “We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and Chowchilla Police Department colleagues.”

Former coworkers at the West Sacramento Police Department also paid tribute, remembering him as “an outstanding officer and an even better human being.”

Gone But Not Forgotten

Flowers and handwritten notes now line the steps of the Chowchilla Police Department, where colleagues said Barrantes’ death marked the department’s first line-of-duty loss that will be felt for years.

As Chief Palmer put it, “Ray was the kind of officer every department hopes to have. He served with honor, with heart, and with a love for his community that never wavered.”