San Bernardino, California – A tragic vehicular collision occurred last Saturday, June 8, near Highway 210 in San Bernardino, resulting in the death of a passenger. Authorities have confirmed that the vehicle’s driver, suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, was arrested.
The incident took place around 7:40 p.m. The driver of a Mercedes-Benz SUV was heading west on the highway towards the Waterman Avenue exit. According to Officer Ivan Sandoval of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver failed to navigate a curve, struck a yellow warning sign, and overturned onto 30th Street.
The passenger, a woman, was ejected from the vehicle due to the force of the impact. A group of bystanders, including Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, rushed to assist the victims. Bianco, who was heading home from a wedding in Lake Arrowhead with his wife, heard the crash and quickly arrived at the scene. “It was a severe crash,” Bianco commented. “The victim was trapped under the vehicle and in critical condition.”
Despite many people at the scene filming with their phones, Bianco urged the bystanders to help. “In chaotic traffic situations, law enforcement must act swiftly, putting aside emotions to assist,” he stated.
The bystanders managed to lift the vehicle enough to free the victim, allowing Bianco to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until paramedics arrived. The woman was transported to a local hospital, where she sadly succumbed to her injuries.
The SUV driver, identified as 27-year-old Shaylee Williams of San Bernardino, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing serious bodily injury.
The California Highway Patrol is requesting anyone with information about this fatal accident in San Bernardino to come forward. Witnesses are urged to contact Officer D. Adams at 909-383-4247 to provide any details that might help clarify the incident.