Full Notification

Incident:         Fatal Traffic Collision
Date / Time:   October 6, 2022 / 2:58 a.m.  
Location:        3500 block of North Riverside Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376
Driver #1:       Melissa Jacqueline Castillo (deceased), Age 22, Resident of San Bernardino
Driver #2:       Crystaline Joy Barile Bendo (deceased), Age 31, Resident of Palmdale 
 
On Thursday, October 6, 2022, at 2:58 a.m., the Rialto Police Department Communications Center received reports of a collision in the 3500 block of North Riverside Avenue.  Officers arrived on scene at 3:02 a.m. and discovered two vehicles blocking the roadway with both drivers suffering from life-threatening injuries.  Rialto Fire Department personnel arrived minutes later and administered life-saving measures to both drivers.  Castillo was found to be the sole occupant of a white Toyota Camry and was pronounced deceased at the scene at 3:10 a.m. by Rialto Fire Department Paramedics.  Bendo was found to be the sole occupant of a white Toyota Corolla and was transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries at 4:16 a.m.
 
The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded and conducted a preliminary investigation, which indicates Castillo was driving at a high rate of speed in the number one southbound lane of Riverside Avenue approaching Ashford Avenue.  Castillo attempted to pass a semi-tractor/trailer by crossing over the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic.  Castillo’s vehicle collided with Bendo’s vehicle, which was traveling in the number one northbound lane of Riverside Avenue.  
 
The Rialto Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance with identifying potential witnesses, including the driver of the semi-tractor/trailer, and requests that anyone who may have information about this incident contact Traffic Sergeant Dan Smith at (909) 644-6025. Witnesses can also anonymously report information through WeTip at (800) 782-7463, reference case #932211978.
 
Lady Regla
Community Outreach Specialist
909-835-9947
[email protected]