A suspected drunk driver is in custody after crashing his car at high speed in Rialto, killing his passenger and fleeing the scene, authorities said.
The crash happened around 8:17 p.m. Friday in the 500 block of West Merrill Avenue. Rialto police arrived to find 33-year-old Rachel Martin of Rialto critically injured inside the wrecked vehicle. Officers attempted lifesaving measures, but she was pronounced dead minutes later.
According to investigators, 28-year-old Joshua Cardenas was speeding over 85 mph in a white 2021 Ford Mustang when he lost control at Merrill and Cactus Avenue, crashing into multiple trees. Instead of staying at the scene, Cardenas allegedly ran, but witnesses helped police track him down.
Authorities believe alcohol and speed contributed to the crash. Cardenas suffered minor injuries and was booked into San Bernardino County jail on a charge of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. His bail was set at $100,000. Anyone with information on this Rialto DUI crash is urged to contact Traffic Sergeant Dan Smith at 909-644-6025.
