On Saturday, June 24, 2023, at approximately 8:43 p.m., the Rialto Police Department Communications Center received reports of a traffic collision in the 300 block of West Santa Ana Avenue. Officers arrived on scene at 8:47 p.m. and located one of the involved drivers, Gregory Cruz, suffering from life threatening injuries. Rialto Fire Department personnel arrived minutes later, and transported Cruz to a local trauma center where he later succumbed to his injuries. The second driver, Jose Saavedra-Escoto was also transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded and conducted an investigation. Preliminary information indicates Saavedra-Escoto was traveling westbound on Santa Ana Avenue from Willow Avenue in his white Ford F-150 when he crossed over into the eastbound lanes, colliding with the white Chevrolet Lumina driven by Cruz. Saavedra-Escoto was suspected to be driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. He was later arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for PC 191.5(a) – Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, with a bail amount of $250,000.
The Rialto Police Department requests anyone who may have 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 number 932306945.