PRESS RELEASE

Date / Time:   July 6, 2020 / 1:44 a.m.

Incident:         Fatal Vehicle Collision
Location:        600 Block of W. Merrill Ave., Rialto
Decedent:       Steven Cardona, 26-year-old male resident of Rialto
 
SYNOPSIS:
On Monday, July 6, 2020, at approximately 1:44 a.m., the Rialto Police Department received several 9-1-1 calls reporting a traffic collision near the intersection of Merrill Ave. and Yucca Ave. in the City of Rialto. Officers from the Rialto Police Department responded to the scene and found a deceased male lying on the ground outside a severely damaged black Honda Civic. At the time of the collision, there were no other occupants in the Honda Civic. The Rialto Fire Department’s Paramedic unit arrived on scene and confirmed that the male had succumbed to his injuries. The male was identified as 26-year-old Steven Cardona from Rialto. Cardona was later transported to the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office.

The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team responded to the scene and is conducting the collision investigation. Through roadway evidence, investigators have been able to conclude that Cardona was driving his black Honda Civic westbound on Merrill Ave. toward the intersection with Cactus Ave at extremely high speeds. As Cardona continued through the intersection, he lost control and struck and jumped the south curb of Merrill Ave. The Honda Civic continued across the sidewalk where it struck two trees and a wall ejecting Cardona from his Honda Civic causing his fatal injuries. Alcohol appears to have played a factor in this collision.

The Rialto Police Department is asking for anyone who may have information related to this incident to please call the Rialto Police Department’s Traffic Division at (909) 421-4981 or anonymously through WeTip at (800) 782-7463. Please reference case number 932005271.