A Central California police officer died in an on-duty crash with a big rig Friday night, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol, which is handling the investigation, said the officer was driving a marked Chowchilla Police Department patrol vehicle east on Highway 152 near the intersection of Road 13 just after 10:30 p.m. Friday.

When the driver of a big rig attempted to cross the eastbound lanes at the intersection, the front of the patrol vehicle struck the right side of the big rig's rear trailer, the CHP said.

The patrol vehicle was stuck under the trailer as both vehicles came to a stop, blocking both lanes of Road 13 and south edge of Highway 152, the CHP said.

The officer, identified by officials as Ray Barrantes, died from his injuries, the CHP said.

"We are holding t

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