On January 20, 2023, at 3:03 a.m., the Rialto Police Department Communications Center received reports of a traffic collision in the 300 block of West Slover Avenue involving a grey Nissan Sentra and a semi-truck pulling two trailers. Officers arrived on scene at 3:09 a.m. to discover both vehicles blocking the roadway and the driver of the Nissan, Jose Escobedo, trapped in his vehicle suffering from significant injuries. Rialto Fire Department personnel arrived minutes later and attempted to administer life saving measures, however, Escobedo succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Escobedo was found to be the sole occupant of the Nissan, while the driver and sole occupant of the semi-truck, Jose Cordero, was uninjured as a result of the collision.
The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded and conducted a preliminary investigation. Initial investigation results indicate Escobedo was in the number two eastbound lane of Slover Avenue approaching Willow Avenue. Cordero left an adjacent logistics yard and was driving north on Willow Avenue toward the I-10 freeway. Cordero made a left turn to proceed westbound on Slover Avenue when Escobedo’s vehicle collided with the rear portion of Cordero’s second trailer. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this collision, however, physical evidence at the scene indicates Escobedo may have been travelling at an excessive speed prior to the collision.
The Rialto Police Department 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 #932300709.
Cpl. Nic Parcher
Rialto Police Department
(909) 771-9016
NParcher@rialtopd.com