Clovis woman jailed after suspected DUI hit-and-run critically injures man

A suspected DUI hit-and-run at one of east Clovis’ busiest connectors left an adult man critically injured and sent police searching for the driver late Thursday night. The crash happened just after 10 p.m. at Jefferson and Brookhaven, near Barstow and Clovis avenues, an area where evening traffic can mix with pedestrians, nearby neighborhoods and local businesses.

Clovis police said officers arrived to find the victim and began trying to provide life-saving help while also directing the driver to stay at the scene. Instead, investigators said, the driver fled in a Toyota Camry. Officers stopped the vehicle a short distance away and took the driver into custody.

Police identified the suspect as 45-year-old Francis Portillo of Clovis. She was booked into Fresno County Jail on suspicion of felony DUI, felony hit-and-run, evading officers and possession of a controlled substance.

The victim, an adult male pedestrian, was transported to a hospital and remained in critical condition. By Friday morning, his condition had not improved, underscoring the severity of a crash that began as a traffic collision and quickly became a major criminal investigation.

The Clovis Police Department said its Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to examine the scene and piece together how the crash unfolded. Investigators said the case remained active and asked anyone with information to contact the department.

Police also used the case to reinforce the dangers of impaired driving, saying alcohol or drugs significantly impair judgment, reaction time and decision-making abilities. The department urged drivers to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using a rideshare or taxi, staying with friends or family, or taking public transportation.

For Clovis and the wider Fresno County area, the crash is another reminder that a single impaired-driving decision can leave a pedestrian fighting for life and trigger multiple felony allegations in a matter of minutes. In a corridor as heavily traveled as Jefferson, Brookhaven, Barstow and Clovis avenues, the consequences of a hit-and-run do not stop with the driver who fled.