Rialto, CA – On Friday, February 21, 2025, at 8:17 p.m., the Rialto Police Department received a report of a single-vehicle traffic collision at Merrill Ave and Cactus Ave. Officers arrived on the scene at 8:20 p.m., followed by Rialto Fire Department personnel who attempted life-saving measures on the passenger, identified as 33-year-old Rachel Martin of Rialto. Unfortunately, Martin succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at 8:25 p.m.
The driver, identified as 28-year-old Joshua Cardenas of Rialto, fled the scene but was later apprehended. He sustained only minor injuries. According to the initial investigation, Cardenas was driving a white 2021 Ford Mustang eastbound on Merrill Ave at speeds exceeding 85 mph. He lost control at the intersection of Cactus Ave, colliding with multiple trees before coming to a stop in the westbound lanes. Witnesses positively identified him as the driver.