| CASE NUMBER: | 11-2953 |
| INCIDENT: | Traffic Collision with Major Injuries and Arrests |
| DATE: | Sunday March 20, 2011, at 10:54 PM |
| LOCATION: | Kiely Boulevard and Butte Street, Santa Clara |
| DEFENDANTS: | Vincent Mergonoto, age 19, Resident of San Jose Chandra Purnama, age 25, Resident of San Francisco |
On the above date and time, Santa Clara Police and Fire Department personnel responded to the area of Kiely Blvd. at Butte St. on the report of a traffic collision with major injuries. Upon arrival, emergency responders found a black Honda Civic and a black Mercedes-Benz CLS 63, both with major damage. The driver of the Honda, a 23-year old female San Jose resident, was unconscious and had to be extricated from her vehicle. Mergonoto, who had minor injuries, was determined to be the driver of the Mercedes-Benz.
While officers were investigating, Purnama returned to the scene after parking his yellow Chevrolet Corvette away from the scene. Traffic Unit investigators determined that Mergonoto and Purnama had been racing each other northbound on Kiely Blvd. just before the collision. Mergonoto struck the Honda almost head-on as it completed a southbound left turn from a business driveway. The driver of the Honda is in critical condition with multiple traumatic injuries.
This collision is still under investigation. Mergonoto and Purnama were arrested for engaging in a motor vehicle speed contest causing injury, a felony violation of Vehicle Code section 23109.1(a). They were arraigned on March 23rd in Santa Clara County Superior Court.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information about this case is encouraged to call Investigator Kenia Soto at (408) 615-4764.
Release prepared by: Lieutenant Matt Hogan
Administrative Services Division
(408) 615-4865