The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Pepper Avenue at approximately 9:22 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Rialto, CA – One person was killed following a two-vehicle crash during a police pursuit on Highland Avenue in Rialto Tuesday night, according to the Rialto Police Department.
The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Pepper Avenue at approximately 9:22 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Authorities said officers were responding to a report of a stolen vehicle when the crash happened.
Investigators said a 2018 Dodge Journey had been stolen earlier from the parking lot of Citrus Suites at 1230 W. Colton Ave. in Redlands after the owner accidentally dropped her keys. The vehicle was later tracked through a cellphone left inside, leading officers to an apartment complex near Riverside Avenue and Baseline Road. At about 8:53 p.m., Rialto police were notified of the SUV’s location.
When an officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver, identified as 33-year-old Emanuel Ayala of Bloomington, allegedly fled. A pursuit involving three officers continued north on Riverside Avenue, then east on Easton Street to Highland Avenue, with speeds reportedly reaching between 70 and 100 mph. At the intersection of Highland and Pepper, Ayala allegedly ran a red light and collided with a vehicle driven by 39-year-old Marcus Benjamin Loring of Muscoy.
Loring was transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he was pronounced dead at 10:02 p.m. Ayala sustained minor injuries. Following the crash, Ayala was arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, felony evading resulting in death, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Bail was initially set at $60,000 but was later revoked at the request of police, and he is now being held without bail pending arraignment in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.
Authorities said the crash occurred after Ayala allegedly failed to stop for officers and drove at excessive speeds through city streets, ultimately running a red light before striking Loring’s vehicle.
The San Bernardino Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team is conducting an independent investigation into the Rialto-crash at the request of the Rialto Police Department.
The pursuit and fatal collision caused significant disruption in the area surrounding Highland and Pepper avenues as officers closed portions of the roadway to conduct their investigation.
The incident remains under active investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Rialto Police Department. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through WeTip at 800-782-7463.
San Bernardino County Crash Statistics
Traffic fatalities remain a serious concern in San Bernardino County. According to the California Highway Patrol Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), San Bernardino County consistently ranks among the counties with the highest number of traffic collisions and fatalities in California. Additionally, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that California recorded more than 4,000 traffic fatalities in recent reporting years, with speeding and reckless driving among the leading contributing factors.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, speaking with a skilled car accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights during this difficult time. An attorney can guide your family through the claims process, protect your interests, and pursue compensation for your loss. Reach out today for compassionate legal support and a free case evaluation.