The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) has identified 27-year-old Samantha Klemm, of the City of Colton, as the suspect in the fatal hit-and-run traffic collision investigation. On Saturday, January 28, 2023, our officers received information regarding a possible suspect vehicle matching the one described in our original press release. Through investigative leads our MAIT team continued their investigation and identified the possible location of the suspect and the suspect vehicle. Klemm was subsequently taken into custody in the City of Colton and was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on charges of CVC 20001(b)(2) – Hit and Run Causing Great Bodily Injury or Death and PC 12022.7(a) – Great Bodily Injury Bail Enhancement, her bail is set to $1,000,000.
The Rialto Police Department would like to thank the community for their assistance with identifying the suspect in this investigation and requests that anyone who may have additional 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 #932301007.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 9:06 p.m. officers were dispatched to the area of 100 East Randall Avenue after the Rialto Police Department Communications Center received the report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Officers arrived on scene at 9:10 p.m. and discovered the female pedestrian, Yolanda Vargas, lying in the street suffering from significant injuries. Rialto Fire Department paramedics arrived minutes later and administered life-saving measures to Vargas before transporting her to a local trauma center where she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.
The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded and conducted a preliminary investigation. Initial information indicates Vargas parked her vehicle along the north curb of Randall Avenue and walked south into the roadway. The suspect vehicle, which appeared to be a dark colored 4-door sedan, was driving eastbound on Randall Avenue when it struck Vargas and fled the scene. Officers are continuing the investigation, collecting video surveillance from several residences and businesses in the area as well as interviewing witnesses. At this time, there is no information indicating that alcohol or excessive speed were factors in this collision.
The Rialto Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance with identifying the potential suspect and requests that 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 #932301007.