On Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 11:01 p.m. the Rialto Police Department Communications Center received the report of a three-vehicle collision. Officers arrived on scene at approximately 11:02 p.m. followed minutes later by Rialto Fire Department personnel. A total of three victims suffering from severe injuries were discovered. Valencia Avilez, a 24-year-old female resident of Rialto, was the driver of a white Honda Accord transporting the three victim passengers. Rialto Fire Department Paramedics pronounced a 4-year-old female and 3-year-old female deceased at the scene, while the adult male passenger was transported to a local trauma center critical condition. The second involved vehicle, a blue Dodge Ram was driven by Alexis Garcia, a 28-year-old male resident of San Bernardino, along with his 24-year-old male passenger. Garcia fled the scene following the traffic collision and was detained approximately one-quarter mile away after his vehicle became disabled. The third involved vehicle, a black Dodge Ram (tow truck), was driven by a 24-year-old male resident of Fontana.
The initial investigation indicates Garcia was travelling south on Riverside Ave. and approached a red signal light at the intersection of Walnut Ave. Garcia was driving at a high rate of speed and failed to stop for the red signal. Avilez was in the intersection making a legal left turn. Garcia’s vehicle broadsided Avilez’s, pushing her vehicle into the eastbound lanes of Walnut Ave., and causing it to collide with the black Dodge Ram (tow truck). The investigation is ongoing, but there is evidence Garcia was under the influence of alcohol when the collision occurred.
Alexis Garcia was taken into custody and is awaiting discharge from the hospital. After discharge he will be booked into a San Bernardino County jail for Penal Code 187(a) – Murder with a no 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 #932413118.