Last Updated on January 14, 2023 by CCAR Staff
RANCHO CUCAMONGA >> A teenage boy was arrested Thursday and a second person was being sought in connection with the death of a Pomona man in what investigators believe was a street race.
Julio Lopez, 46, of Pomona was on his way to a Verizon Wireless store when his car was broadsided by a 16-year-old boy driving a Mustang on Wednesday, authorities said.
The teen, whose name was being withheld by San Bernardino County sheriff’s officials, was arrested around 3 p.m. Thursday on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, Teresa McMahon. spokeswoman for the sheriff’s Rancho Cucamonga station, said in an email.
Lopez was trying to make a left turn onto Rochester Avenue from Jersey Boulevard shortly before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday when the fatal collision occurred, according to a San Bernardino County sheriff’s statement.
Deputies said they believe the teen was street racing. Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Laura Lopez, still numb from the shock of her husband’s death, described her 22-year marriage as amazing.
“We did everything together,” she said. “He was full of life. He was the clown of the party. I still can’t believe he’s gone.”
In addition to his wife, he leaves behind a 17-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son.
Investigators said the teen may have been racing another Ford Mustang along Rochester from Arrow Route. The second driver never stopped.
Investigators were looking for the second Mustang, described as a black 2000 to 2003 model with a hood scoop.
Anyone who witnessed the fatal crash or has any information about the other vehicle or driver is asked to contact the Rancho Cucamonga station at 909-477-2800.
Staff Writer Doug Saunders contributed to this report.
