MADERA – Tragedy struck early Thursday morning in the city of Madera when a volunteer firefighter was killed in a motorcycle incident near Howard Road on Pine Street. Marijuana is believed to be a factor in a crash that left one man dead and another in custody at the Madera County Department of Corrections.
Cary Chaffin(67) was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. The crash happened at Pine and Oak streets in Madera around 8 a.m. Madera police say Chaffin was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash.
The victim was identified as Chowchilla volunteer firefighter Dustin Calley (25). The crash happened on Thursday morning along Pine Street near Howard Road. Officers said Chaffin was making a left turn into the CVS Pharmacy parking lot when he hit Calley on his motorcycle. The victim was rushed to Madera Community Hospital where he later died.
This is the first pot-related DUI that's ended with someone dead in the City of Madera. Sgt. Thomas Burns said the driver told officers he didn't see Calley. He said a series of tests made it clear that Chaffin was under the influence. "Someone not being under the influence may have very well have seen him and not turned in front of him. It's tragic on so many levels," Burns told reporters.
Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department is holding a "Fill the Boot" fundraiser for Calley's family. They will be collecting donations on Sunday May 27th, from Noon to 4:00 pm at the Chowchilla Shell Station located at 105 North Chowchilla Blvd. Donations will also be accepted at any time at the Chowchilla Fire Station located at 240 North First Street.