UPDATED INFORMATION:
Through a continual, exhaustive investigation, the Rialto Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team submitted the criminal report to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Traffic Safety Unit. On November 26th, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Traffic Safety Unit filed two counts of PC 187(a)-murder, one count of CVC 20001-Felony Hit & Run, and one count of CVC 23153-DUI resulting in injuries. No bail was set for Alexis Garcia.
The Rialto Police Department would like to extend its deepest appreciation to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office Traffic Safety Unit for their outstanding efforts in promoting traffic safety and ensuring justice in our community. Through their diligence and thoroughness, the Traffic Safety Unit has worked tirelessly to address traffic-related crimes, prosecute offenders, and make our roads safer for residents, commuters, and visitors. Their unwavering commitment to upholding the law and protecting the
public aligns closely with our mission to serve and safeguard the citizens of Rialto.
“Collaboration with agencies like the District Attorney’s Traffic Safety Unit plays a vital role in our shared commitment to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Rialto Police Chief, Mark P. Kling. “Their expertise and dedication in combatting dangerous driving behaviors, including impaired driving and reckless driving, are invaluable in the collective efforts to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries.” The Rialto Police Department expresses its heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families affected
by the recent tragic, yet preventable traffic event. Our thoughts are with those who are grieving, and we are committed to working with our partners in the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office to seek justice and bring closure to those impacted. We recognize the importance of community support and continued partnerships with our residences and businesses who were instrumental in providing support for all involved.
For additional information regarding criminal proceedings, please contact the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office at publicaffairs@sbcda.org.
Information:
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 centercritical 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.