A tragic incident unfolded in Moreno Valley on March 28, 2024, resulting in the loss of a passenger’s life and the arrest of the driver, identified as 19-year-old Steven Israel Corona of Moreno Valley.

Corona was apprehended by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers following a pursuit that began around 1:03 a.m. in the 25000 block of Gentian Ave. The pursuit was initiated after officers observed Corona’s Kia K900 traveling southbound on Perris Boulevard without headlights, running through a red traffic signal.

Despite attempts by law enforcement to conduct a traffic stop, Corona allegedly refused to comply, accelerating to speeds of up to 90 mph and driving recklessly through various streets. Tragically, while speeding down Gentian Avenue, Corona lost control of his vehicle, colliding with two parked cars.

The collision resulted in the Kia’s three passengers becoming trapped, necessitating extrication by emergency responders. One of the passengers, 19-year-old Villalon Ramirez, seated in the front passenger seat, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at Riverside University Medical Center an hour later. The other occupants suffered major injuries but were expected to recover.

Corona was promptly apprehended at the scene and subsequently evaluated at the medical center, where he was found to be uninjured. However, officers determined that he was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Corona was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Jail on charges including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence resulting in injuries, and felony evading with great bodily injury. He posted bail set at $250,000 and was released from custody later the same day.

The investigation into the incident continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.