19 Year-Old Driver Arrested for DUI After Crash Kills 1 and Injures 5
INCIDENT DATE/TIME: 4-16-25, 6:25 p.m.
LOCATION:3505 MARKET ST
AREA/CITY: Riverside
DETAILS:
DRIVER ARRESTED IN FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION
RIVERSIDE, CA – The driver responsible for the fatal traffic collision in downtown Riverside yesterday evening has been arrested and booked into jail. At approximately 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Riverside Police Officers responded to a multi-vehicle collision along Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets. Upon arrival, they located four vehicles involved in the crash.
Officers attempted to contact the primary driver, later identified as 19-year-old Isaac Isaiah Villalba of Redlands. Mr. Villalba tried to flee the scene and resisted officers with violence before being safely taken into custody. Firefighter-paramedics from the Riverside Fire Department also responded and provided medical aid to the injured parties.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. Villalba was driving a black Dodge Challenger southbound on Market Street at a high rate of speed. He rear-ended a Honda Civic driven by 37-year-old Christian Barragan of Riverside, causing significant impact. The Dodge Challenger continued forward and collided with another vehicle before coming to a stop. Mr. Barragan was transported to a local hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. Five other occupants from the involved vehicles sustained injuries ranging from moderate to minor.
Detectives and officers assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. They have been assisted by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
Mr. Villalba was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the collision and his apprehension. While in custody, he was evaluated by a Riverside Police Officer certified as a drug recognition expert. After being medically cleared on Thursday, April 17th, he was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for murder, felony hit and run causing injury or death, suspicion of being under the influence of drugs causing injury or death, and resisting arrest with violence.
Comments on social media suggest that several people may have witnessed the black Dodge Challenger driving erratically prior to the collision but have not yet come forward. Investigators are asking anyone with additional information or video related to this incident to contact Traffic Detective Matthew Parrish at MWParrish@RiversideCA.gov or (951) 353-8177.
HANDLING AGENCIES: Riverside Police Department
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