Date / Time: February 11, 2022 / 1:35 p.m.
Incident: Police Pursuit / Convicted Felon Dies in a Vehicle Collision
Location: Rialto Ave. / Cactus Ave., Rialto
Suspect (Decedent): David Smith, 26-Year-Old, Resident of San Bernardino
SYNOPSIS:
On Thursday, February 10, 2022, at approximately 12:25 p.m., a Rialto PD motor officer initiated a traffic stop on a black Infinity Q50, near the intersection of Merrill Ave., and Spruce Ave., for an excessive speed violation. The driver of the Infinity initially yielded to the officer’s traffic stop. When the officer approached the vehicle the driver fled in the Infinity. A vehicle pursuit ensued through the City of Rialto. During the pursuit, the suspect attempted to use his vehicle to hit a second motor officer.
The pursuit came to an end when the suspect ran a red light at the intersection of Rialto Ave. and Cactus Ave., colliding into four occupied vehicles. Only one driver complained of minor pain as a result of these collisions. The suspect was fatally injured and pronounced deceased at the scene by the Rialto Fire Department.
The suspect has been identified as David Smith, who was on parole due to a 2019 felony conviction for California Vehicle Code 2800.4, felony evading a peace officer. Investigators located a stolen semi-automatic handgun, illegal 30 round magazine and narcotics in the suspect’s vehicle.
At the request of Rialto Police Department, the San Bernardino Police Department assisted with the investigation. The Rialto Police Department requests that anyone who may have information about this incident contact Sergeant Dan Smith, Traffic Sergeant at (909) 644-6025. Witnesses can also anonymously report information through WeTip at (800) 782-7463, reference case #932201543.
Officer Amanda Deleon
Rialto Police Department
(909) 820-2021
