Drunk Driver Flees After Crash Kills Passenger
INCIDENT DATE/TIME: 2-21-25 8:15 PM
LOCATION: Merrill Ave x Cactus Ave
AREA/CITY: Rialto
DETAILS:
- On Friday, February 21, 2025, at 8:17 p.m. Rialto Police Department Communications Center received a report of a single vehicle traffic collision. Officers arrived on the scene at approximately 8:20 p.m. Rialto Fire Department arrived and personnel administered life-saving measures to the passenger an adult female, Rachel Martin, a 33-year-old resident of Rialto, who sustained life-threatening injuries. Martin was pronounced deceased at the scene at 8:25 p.m.The driver who fled following the collision was apprehended and identified as Joshua Cardenas a 28-year-old male resident of Rialto who suffered only minor injuries. The initial investigation indicates Cardenas was driving a white 2021 Ford Mustang eastbound on Merrill Ave over 85 mph. Cardenas continued through the intersection on Cactus Ave and lost control of his vehicle. Cardenas collided with multiple trees and came to rest in the westbound lanes. Cardenas fled the location and was positively identified by witnesses. The investigation is ongoing, but there is evidence Cardenas was under the influence of alcohol when the collision occurred and speed is believed to be a factor.Joshua Cardenas was booked into a San Bernardino County jail for Penal Code 191.5(a)-Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while intoxicated with a $100,000 bail.
The Rialto Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation. Anyone who may have information about this incident can contact Traffic Sergeant Dan Smith at (909) 644-6025. Witnesses can also anonymously report information through WeTip at (800) 782-7463, reference case #932502122.
Sgt. Dan Smith
Rialto Police Department
(909) 644-6025
Dsmith@rialtopd.com
HANDLING AGENCIES: Rialto PD
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