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Rialto Police Department
Monday May 3rd, 2021 :: 05:55 p.m. PDT

Advisory

Fatal Vehicle Collision

PRESS RELEASE

Date / Time:    May 2, 2021 / 3:51 a.m.
Incident:          Fatal Vehicle Collision 
Location:         Merrill Ave. / Cedar Ave., Rialto
Decedent:       Nathaniel Cardenas; 35-year-old resident of Colton

SYNOPSIS:

On Sunday, May 2, 2021, at approximately 3:51 a.m., the Rialto Police Department received several 9-1-1 calls reporting a traffic collision in the area of Merrill Ave. and Cedar Ave. in the City of Rialto. Officers responded to the scene and located a white 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse occupied by a deceased male in the driver’s seat and two seriously injured children in the back seats. Paramedics from the Rialto Fire Department responded and transported the two injured children (ages 4 and 8) to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. The male driver, who was later identified as 35-year-old Colton resident Nathaniel Cardenas succumbed to his injuries on scene. The other involved vehicle, a black 2012 Audi A6 was occupied by a male driver and passenger. The 23-year-old driver of the Audi sustained minor injuries, his 26-year-old passenger sustained moderate injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is conducting the investigation. Through roadway evidence and witness statements, investigators have determined that the white Mitsubishi driven by Cardenas was traveling eastbound on Merrill Ave. toward a red light at Cedar Ave. At the same time, the Audi was traveling southbound on Cedar Ave. toward the green light at Merrill Ave. As the Audi entered the intersection on the green signal, the Mitsubishi ran the red light and was broadsided by the Audi. The 23-year-old driver of the black Audi remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.  

The Rialto Police Department requests that anyone who may have information about this incident call the Traffic Division at (909) 421-4981. Witnesses can also anonymously report information through WeTip at (800) 782-7463, reference case #932103894.

Officer Amanda Deleon 
Rialto Police Department 
(909) 440-4071

 

Address/Location
Rialto Police Department
128 N Willow Ave
Rialto, CA 92376

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-820-2550

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