On Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at 9:15 p.m., the Rialto Police Department Communications Center received the report of a two-vehicle collision with one of the people rendered unconscious. Rialto Police Department personnel arrived on scene along with Rialto Fire Department. The vehicles involved were a black 2018 Mercedes C63, determined to be driven by a sole occupant, later identified as Richard Madrid, resident of Fontana. The second vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet HHR was determined to be driven by Juan Cordova, resident of Colton and his passenger, Priscilla Hernandez, resident of Colton. Hernandez was transported to a local hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Cordova was also transported to a local hospital for significant injuries but is currently in stable condition.
The initial investigation indicates a broadside collision occurred at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Third Street. Madrid was driving northbound on Riverside Avenue at a high rate of speed, while Cordova and Hernandez were driving eastbound on Third Street. The investigation is ongoing. Investigators have preliminary evidence that indicates Madrid was under the influence of alcohol when the collision occurred.
Richard Madrid was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. Following his discharge from the hospital, Madrid was be booked into the West Valley Detention Center for Penal Code 187(a) – Murder. Bail for Madrid has been set at $2.5 million dollars.
Our investigation determined that Madrid has four DUI related convictions and was previously on felony probation out of Riverside County from 2016 through 2019 for CVC 23550 (a) – DUI with three or more prior convictions within the past ten years.
Chief Mark P. Kling provided the following statement “This is yet another tragic example of what happens when a person simply doesn’t care about our State’s DUI laws. This suspect’s four prior DUI convictions, including a felony, should have been message enough to change his behavior. Instead, his reckless wanton disregard for human life was evident. His selfish actions took the life of a mother, which has now left her three young children with one less parent and their father trying to figure out how life goes on. With the help of the San Bernardino County District Attorney we look forward to finally holding Richard Madrid accountable for his actions.”
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 #932206663.