Police arrested a driver after reportedly colliding with another automobile at a stoplight in Riverside. The fatal multi-vehicle crash was captured on mobile and dashcam footage.
According to the Riverside Police Department, the man deceased was 37-year-old Christian Barragan.
A black Dodge Charger accelerates into view in a rear-view mirror, as seen on cellphone footage. Seconds later, it smacks into a Honda Civic, spinning it into the line of oncoming traffic. Barragan drove the Civic.
The authorities are now investigating the dashcam and smartphone videos of the catastrophic chain reaction crash, which leaked on Instagram.
“He appeared to be driving way too fast for the conditions out here,” said Ofc. Ryan Railsback with Riverside PD. “It also appeared he didn’t have any regard for anybody’s safety.”
The fatal crash occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on Wednesday near Market and Sixth Streets.
Barragan was on his way to help out at his family’s restaurant, stepping in for a sick coworker, according to his brother.
His family has issued the following statement:
“Our family is heartbroken and grieved by the death of our darling brother. We’d want to thank everyone who has expressed their love and support.
The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Isaac Isaiah Villalba. His mug image shows him wearing a medical robe. Investigators believe drugs or alcohol may have played a role in the incident.
“He’ll be booked for murder, for felony hit-and-run, felony suspicion of being under the influence of drugs, and resisting arrest using violence,” Railsback said. “When officers went to contact him, he was trying to flee. He actually resisted them using violence to the point where, you can see on video that was taken, they ended up having to use a Taser to safely take him into custody.”
Five more persons were hurt in the chain reaction incident, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate.
“I couldn’t see the fight, but I did hear him yelling. I did see the cops get him down to the ground,” said witness Phillip Hsu. “It was a couple cops that were trying to just control him on the floor.”
Officials want to speak with anyone who witnessed the Charger driving recklessly before the crash.
“We want to talk to them if they haven’t spoken to investigators already to learn more,” Railsback said. “What people may have witnessed in terms of his driving behavior before this crash happened.”
Villalba is scheduled to appear in court Friday for his arraignment. He is currently being jailed under a $1 million bond.
