Man dies in multi-vehicle crash after leading police on pursuit in Rialto

Last Updated on February 12, 2022 by CCAR Staff

A driver who led police on a chase through Rialto died after crashing into several other vehicles at an intersection, police said.

Around 12:25 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, a Rialto police officer conducted a traffic stop on a black Infinity Q50 for speeding near the intersection of Merrill and Spruce avenues. The driver initially yielded but when the officer approached the vehicle, he fled and a pursuit ensued through Rialto.

At one point during the pursuit, the driver attempted to ram his vehicle into a second officer’s patrol car, officials said.

The chase led to the intersection of Rialto and Cactus avenues, where the driver ran through a red light before crashing into four other vehicles, police said. He was injured and died at the scene.

One driver who was struck was also injured.

The suspect was identified as David Smith, 26, a San Bernardino resident, who police say was on parole due to a 2019 felony conviction for evading a peace officer.

Police said they found a stolen semi-automatic handgun, illegal 30 round magazine and narcotics in his car.