On Friday, August 4, 2023, at approximately 5:23 p.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of North Riverside Avenue for an unknown injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a motorcycle. Officers arrived on scene at approximately 5:27 p.m. and discovered the involved vehicle had fled the incident location. Rialto Fire Department personnel arrived minutes later and administered medical aid to the motorcycle rider and passenger. Both victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment of major injuries.
The Rialto Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team continued their investigation and identified the suspect vehicle as a red 2006-2010 Honda Civic. The investigation showed the vehicle was going southbound on Riverside Avenue, when it entered the two-way center turn lane to enter into a driveway. The motorcycle was northbound in the #2 lane of Riverside Avenue, when the vehicle failed to yield to the motorcyclist’s right of way causing a collision. The suspect then fled the scene and left both victims laying in the roadway.
Through a continual investigation, the Rialto Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team identified the suspect as, 29-year-old, Eddy Escobar, a resident of the City of Rialto. Escobar was located and taken into custody. A subsequent DUI investigation was conducted and Escobar was found to be under the influence of alcohol, three times the legal limit. The vehicle used in the commission of the crime was later recovered near Escobar’s residence in the city of Rialto. Escobar was booked into West Valley Detention Center for CVC 23153(a)-DUI Causing Injury or Death, CVC 23153(b) – DUI over .08% BAC Causing Injury or Death, and CVC 20001(b)(1) – Hit and Run Causing Injury or Death with a bail set for $500,000. Additionally, Escobar was found to have a prior conviction for DUI. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and filed criminal charges for the above crimes.
The Rialto Police Department requests that anyone with information about this incident contact Traffic Sergeant Dan Smith at (909) 644-6025. Witnesses can also anonymously report information through WeTip at (800) 782-7463, reference case #932308753. The Rialto Police Department works diligently to stop impaired driving and encourages the public to report suspected DUI drivers.