Suspected DUI Wrong-Way Crash Leaves One Dead

The San Bernardino Sun reports that a wrong-way driver on Santa Ana Avenue in Rialto collided with another vehicle, killing another driver over the weekend. The wrong-way motorist is believed to have been driving under the influence of alcohol at the time.

In a statement, the Rialto Police Department said that the fatal crash happened on Saturday, June 24, at approximately 8;45 p.m. when 48-year-old Jose Saavedra-Escoto was traveling westbound in his Ford pickup truck on Santa Avenue near Willow Avenue, Saavedra-Escoto suddenly veered into the opposing lanes of traffic and collided head-on with a Chevrolet sedan.

Emergency crews responded to the crash scene and transported the 59-year-old male sedan driver to an area hospital for treatment. Despite all life-saving efforts made by doctors and medical staff, the Riverside man died due to injuries he suffered in the crash.

Saavedra-Escoto was taken to the hospital with only minor injuries. Rialto later arrested Saavedra-Escoto on the charges of gross vehicular manslaughter and driving while under the influence of alcohol. 

No further information was available at the time of the report.

Rialto Police ask anyone with any information about the crash to contact Traffic Sergeant Dan Smith at (909) 644-6025. Those wishing to remain anonymous may submit information through WeTip at (800) 782-7463 by referencing case number 93230645.

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