[11-25-2024] – Two toddlers killed in Rialto, CA in crash blamed on suspected drunk driver

Rialto, CA – Two toddlers tragically lost their lives Sunday night in Rialto due to a three-car accident that police allege was instigated by a speeding drunk driver who ran a red light.

The incident occurred just after 11 p.m. when the Rialto Police Department responded to reports of a multi-vehicle collision at the crossroads of Riverside and Walnut avenues. A white Honda Accord, carrying four people including the two toddlers aged 3 and 4, was making a left turn onto Walnut Avenue when it was struck on the side by a speeding blue Dodge Ram pickup. This vehicle was traveling south on Riverside Avenue and ran a red light, causing the powerful impact that sent the Honda crashing into a nearby tow truck.

The driver of the Dodge Ram, identified by police as 28-year-old Alexis Garcia from San Bernardino, allegedly fled the scene following the crash. Despite being secured in their car seats, one of the toddlers was ejected from the vehicle and was declared dead at the scene, as reported by the authorities.

The 24-year-old female driver of the Honda Accord, along with a 25-year-old male passenger, sustained minor to moderate injuries and were transported to a local trauma center. Their identities have not been disclosed. Fortunately, the driver of the tow truck remained unharmed.

Images from the incident, shared on the Police Department’s Instagram, depicted a heartbreaking scene with children’s clothing and toys scattered across the intersection following the collision.

Later, Rialto police located the Dodge Ram and Garcia approximately a quarter of a mile from the accident scene, where it seemed the truck had become disabled. Garcia was subsequently arrested on multiple charges, including suspicion of murder, driving under the influence of alcohol, and felony hit and run. He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center located in Rancho Cucamonga. It was noted that Garcia had a passenger in his truck at the time of the crash; however, that individual did not sustain any injuries, according to law enforcement.