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Driver given probation for fatal collision
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A Turlock man who ran a red light and caused a collision that killed one teenager and injured two others was sentenced Monday to probation and community service.

Matthew Sullivan, 41, of Turlock entered into a plea deal with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office that had him plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter. In exchange, he was sentenced to three years informal probation and ordered to serve 300 community service hours. He also was ordered to pay restitution.

On the night of June 16, 2016, Sullivan was driving a 2004 Lexus that broadsided a 2008 Ford Mustang at the intersection of Geer Road and Yosemite Boulevard. The collision claimed the life of 17-year-old Daniel Casillas, who was driving the Ford Mustang. The collision also caused moderate injuries for Waterford resident Ricky Chavez, who was 14 years old at the time, and minor injuries to Ivan Gomez, also of Waterford and who was 17 at the time.

According to the California Highway Patrol Casillas was driving the Mustang westbound on Yosemite Boulevard approaching the Geer Road intersection at an estimated speed of 50 mph. At the same time Sullivan was driving northbound on Geer road at approximately 55 to 60 mph.

The CHP reported the traffic light for the Yosemite traffic turned green and the Mustang entered the intersection. For an unknown reason, Sullivan entered the intersection on a solid red traffic light.

The front of the Lexus struck the driver’s door of the Mustang. The impact sent the vehicle colliding into a metal pole on the passenger’s side.

Casillas was transported to Memorial Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. Gomez and Chavez were both transported to Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

Sullivan sustained major injuries in the crash and was transported to Doctors Medical Center for treatment, according to the CHP.

Alcohol and drugs were not found to be factors in the collision.

Sullivan was charged with the misdemeanor in November 2016.