UPDATED INFORMATION:
Through a continual, exhaustive investigation, the Rialto Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team identified a 2003 Ford Expedition as the vehicle involved in the fatal hit-and-run traffic collision with DeAngelo Banks. On August 15, 2023, at 4:40 p.m., officers located the suspect vehicle in the 500 block of N. Riverside Avenue and conducted surveillance. A subject, later identified as Bryan Perez, was seen entering the vehicle and drive away from the location. Perez was found to be unlicensed and subsequently interviewed and arrested for being the driver that struck and killed DeAngelo Banks on August 13th. Evidence was found substantiating the Ford Expedition being involved in the hit-and-run fatal collision.
The Ford Expedition was recovered and towed to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Crime Lab for processing. The Rialto Police Department appreciates the assistance of local residents and business owners who cooperated and were instrumental in providing video footage vital to this crime being solved.
Perez was booked into West Valley Detention Center for CVC 20001(b) (2) – Hit and Run Causing Injury or Death with a bail set for $250,000.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE:
On Sunday, August 13, 2023, at approximately 4:37 a.m., a Rialto Police patrol officer was driving east on Rialto Avenue, east of Spruce Street in a marked police vehicle. The officer drove over an unknown object in the middle of the roadway and immediately turned around to investigate. The officer discovered it was a pedestrian who was deceased. The pedestrian was later identified as DeAngelo Banks. Physical evidence located at the scene indicates Banks had been previously struck and killed by at least one vehicle before the officer’s contact. The Rialto Police Department requested the California Highway Patrol respond to assist in this investigation.
California Highway Patrol and the Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team responded and conducted two separate investigations. Investigators recovered evidence at the scene, and video footage information indicates Banks was walking eastbound in the lanes of traffic on Rialto Avenue. Video footage from properties nearby the incident revealed a vehicle of interest driving eastbound on Rialto Avenue toward Banks prior to him being struck. The investigation is in progress, and efforts to locate this vehicle are ongoing. Therefore, at this time details on the suspect vehicle are being kept confidential.
The Rialto Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance with any information about this incident and requests witnesses contact Sergeant Dan Smith at (909) 644-6025 or DSmith@rialtopd.com. Witnesses can also anonymously report information through WeTip at (800) 782-7463, reference case #932309127.