Jose Perez Arrested, Catalina Esteves & Christopher Sanchez Ejected in Fatal Crash on Gilman Springs Road [Riverside, CA]

18-Year-Old Detained after Hit-and-Run Collision on Gilman Springs Road in Riverside

 
Riverside, CA (May 7, 2020) – Monday morning, 18-year-old Jose Perez of Lomita, was arrested after a fatal crash on Gilman Springs Road.
 
Officers first received reports around 11:00 a.m., on May 6. Emergency personnel arrived to the area just east or Moreno Valley, shortly after. CHP Officer Matt Napier said that Perez was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe west through the Badlands when he collided with another vehicle.
 
Napier suspected that the Perez was fleeing from the collision as he was seen heading south onto Gilman Springs. In addition, Perez made an improper turn on the right side of the road. He then tried to veer back onto the road but failed to regain control over the vehicle. As a result, it rolled over several times.
 
Both passengers Catalina Esteves, 17 of Calimesa and Christopher Sanchez, 18 of Fontana, were ejected from the Tahoe.
 
Esteves was pronounced dead about an hour later at the Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley. Meanwhile, Sanchez remained hospitalized for sustaining moderate injuries.
 
Furthermore, Perez suffered minor injuries as a result of the impact. He was later hospitalized before he was eventually booked into jail. Perez is currently facing felony charges.
 

Police Arrest

 
The San Gorgonio Office has asked the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office to file charges against Perez. At this time, gross vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving, and driving under the influence of drugs awaits for him.
 
Moreover, police are currently holding him in lieu of $75,000 bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.

---

Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Catalina Esteves during this time.

---

If you or someone you love has fallen victim to a negligent or irresponsible driver, contact the experienced lawyers at Sweet Law Group. We have over 40 years of experience in the legal field. Our team will fight to achieve the justice and compensation that you and your family deserve. Call our offices today at (800) 203-3061 for a free consultation at a location nearest you. In addition, you can contact us 24/7 by email, online chat, and text message.