Innocent driver, 74, killed in Southern California DUI police pursuit crash

A 74-year-old man was killed and three others were hospitalized after a motorist accused of driving under the influence fled police and caused a fatal crash in San Bernardino County earlier this week. Just after 11:34 p.m. on June 8, officers with the Rialto Police Department spotted a maroon 2020 Dodge Charger stopped on the wrong side of the road near the intersection of Cedar and Bohnert avenues. When police attempted a traffic stop, the driver, now identified as 25-year-old Angel Reyes of Hemet, fled, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit. Within minutes, Reyes was speeding southbound on Locust Avenue when he blew through a red light at Renaissance Parkway and collided with a vehicle driven by the victim, Oscar Torres, a Fontana resident, according to Rialto police. Investigators said the pursuing officer did not witness the crash because of the distance between the patrol unit and Reyes. The officer immediately began life-saving measures on Reyes and two other men in his vehicle, as well as Torres, until Rialto Fire Department personnel arrived and took over. Reyes and the other men were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Torres was pronounced dead at the scene, investigators said. “Based on the preliminary investigation, alcohol and drug impairment are believed to be contributing factors in the collision,” officials said in a news release. “Investigators are coordinating with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office to review the facts of the case and determine the appropriate criminal charges.” Reyes remains hospitalized but was arrested and booked on suspicion of felony murder, willful flight causing death and driving under the influence causing bodily harm. “Angel Reyes’ driving history reflects a pattern of conduct that demonstrates a disregard for roadway safety,” investigators added. Anyone with information regarding the investigation is encouraged to contact the Rialto Police Department Traffic Bureau’s Major Accident Investigation Team or Sgt. Justin Breen at 909-835-9965. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the WeTip hotline at 800-782-7463 or online at www.wetip.com.