Fatal DUI Crash Claims Life in Riverside – Riverside PD Investigating
INCIDENT DATE/TIME:9-13-23, 12:06 a.m.
LOCATION: 10191 Victoria Ave
CITY: Riverside
DETAILS:
DUI SUSPECTED IN FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION – RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE
RIVERSIDE, CA – On Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at approximately 12:06 a.m., Riverside Police Officers and Riverside Fire Department personnel responded to Victoria Avenue, west of John Street, for a single vehicle collision into a tree. An unrestrained adult female passenger found in the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Riverside Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) responded and assumed the investigation. They are being assisted by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. The passenger has been identified as 22-year-old Joanna Huizar.
Preliminary investigation determined the 23-year-old driver was traveling the wrong way in the westbound lane of Victoria Avenue approaching John Street, when he failed to safely negotiate a curve in the roadway. The driver lost control of his vehicle and collided with a palm tree in the center median. The driver sustained major injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Investigators believe alcohol intoxication is a contributing factor in the collision.
In 2021 and 2022, 68 people were killed in traffic collisions occurring in the city of Riverside. This is now the 17th traffic collision fatality in the city this year. Our Traffic Bureau would like to remind the public to drive safely, wear your seat belt, and do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
This investigation is ongoing and there are no other details to release at this time. Anyone with additional information related to this collision or the passenger’s whereabouts prior to are urged to contact Detective Ryan McHugh at (951) 826-8720 or by email at RMcHugh@RiversideCA.gov.
HANDLING AGENCIES: Riverside Police Department.
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