Fatal Hit & Run Collision in Rialto Claims Life of 65-Year-Old Bicyclist
Rialto, CA – A tragic hit and run incident on October 7, 2023, at approximately 7:05 p.m. left a 65-year-old adult male bicyclist dead. The incident occurred in the vicinity of 2400 South Riverside Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376.
Local authorities responded swiftly to the scene after reports of an unknown injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist. Officers arrived at approximately 7:08 p.m. to discover that the involved vehicle had fled the scene. Tragically, despite the efforts of Rialto Fire Department personnel who arrived minutes later and administered life-saving measures, the bicyclist was pronounced deceased at 7:17 p.m. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.
The Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) launched a preliminary investigation, which revealed that the suspect, identified as 46-year-old Santos Lopez-Rosales, a resident of San Bernardino, was driving southbound in the #2 lane of Riverside Avenue, approaching Santa Ana Avenue. At the same time, the bicyclist was traveling southbound in the middle of the #2 lane towards Santa Ana Avenue. The suspect’s vehicle collided with the rear of the bicyclist before fleeing the scene.
In the aftermath of the collision, the Rialto Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team conducted an extensive follow-up investigation, leading to the discovery of the suspect vehicle, a white 2008 Hyundai Elantra, in the city of Bloomington. Evidence found within the vehicle strongly supported its involvement in the fatal hit and run collision.
Santos Lopez-Rosales remains at large, and a felony warrant has been issued for his arrest. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or knowledge of Lopez-Rosales’s whereabouts to contact Traffic Sergeant Dan Smith at (909) 644-6025. Witnesses can also provide anonymous tips through WeTip at (800) 782-7463, referencing case #932311435.
This incident has left the community in mourning, and law enforcement officials are diligently working to bring closure to the victim’s family and ensure that justice is served.
