Incident: Fatal Hit & Run Traffic Collision
Date / Time: April 17, 2025 / 10:58 p.m.
Location: Foothill Blvd // Pepper Ave, Rialto, CA 92376
Victim: Christian Smith, 45 Year-Old, Deceased
Suspect: Roland Contreras, 52 Year-Old Resident of Colton
PIO:
Sergeant Justin Breen
(909)835-9965
UPDATED INFORMATION:
The Rialto Police Department recognizes the importance of community support and continued partnerships with the residents and businesses who were instrumental in providing video surveillance and investigative leads in this case. The Rialto Police Department Crime Analysis Unit conducted an exhaustive investigation, along with the Rialto Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team in processing those community leads. Their combined efforts led to the identification of the suspect vehicle involved in this fatal hit-and-run traffic collision.
On May 1, 2025, at about 8:00 a.m., San Bernardino County Probation Officers, along with Detectives from the Rialto Police Department assisted the Major Accident Investigation Team with the investigation. Officers executed a search warrant at a house in the 1300 Block of Latham Street, in Colton, CA. During the search, suspect Roland Contreras, a 52-year-old resident of Colton, was identified as the driver of the suspect vehicle. Contreras had fled the collision scene after striking and killing pedestrian Christian Smith and was avoiding capture. During a search of Suspect Contreras’ residence, officers located the vehicle used during the fatal hit and run collision. Officers processed and seized the vehicle as evidence. Contreras was arrested and booked into West Valley Detention Center for PC 192(c)(2) – Vehicular Manslaughter and CVC 20001(b)(2) – Hit and Run Causing Injury or Death.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE:
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m. officers responded to the intersection of Foothill Blvd. and Pepper Ave. for an unknown injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Officers arrived on scene at approximately 11:03 p.m. and discovered the involved vehicle had fled. Rialto Fire Department arrived minutes later and personnel administered life-saving measures to the pedestrian who sustained life-threatening injuries. Rialto Fire Department paramedics pronounced the pedestrian deceased at 11:11 p.m.
The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded and conducted a preliminary investigation. Initial information indicates the suspect was driving southbound in the #1 lane of Pepper Ave approaching Foothill Blvd. The pedestrian was crossing Pepper Ave. in the marked crosswalk on the north side of the intersection. The front end of the suspect vehicle struck the pedestrian and fled. Officers are currently following up on leads and the investigation is ongoing.
The Rialto Police Department requests that anyone who may have information about this incident contact Traffic Sergeant Justin Breen at (909) 835-9965. Witnesses can also anonymously report information through WeTip at (800) 782-7463, reference case #932504591.
Mark P. Kling
Chief of Police
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