Photo: Stock Image
Rialto, CA – On February 4th, 2017, the Rialto Police Department’s Communications Center received several calls for service regarding a car-to-car shooting in Willow Avenue and Etiwanda Avenue. The victim’s vehicle was struck multiple times as it fled southbound on Willow Avenue onto Foothill Boulevard to avoid the suspect vehicle. Ultimately, officers responded to Rialto Avenue and Willow Avenue, where they discovered a 15-year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the incident, detectives conducted an extensive investigation and identified the suspect as Fernando Montes Palomera, a 20-year-old resident of Rialto. For several weeks, detectives worked around the clock to locate Palomera, who was actively avoiding the police.
On March 17th, 2017, Palomera was found hiding in residence in the City of Adelanto. When officers attempted to detain him, Palomera attempted to flee the residence on foot, armed with a handgun. With the assistance of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Palomera was pursued and taken into custody without incident.
After years of continued collaboration between the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office and the Rialto Police Department, the case came to its conclusion on February 23rd, 2023. Palomera was sentenced to 48 years and four months in state prison for homicide.
The Rialto Police Department commends the dedication and hard work of the detectives and officers involved in this investigation and the cooperation of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the justice system in bringing those responsible for violent crimes to justice. The Rialto Police Department is committed to working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the community and hold those who commit violent crimes accountable for their actions.
