Press Releases

Update:

The victim was identified as Mario Hernandez, 45-years-old, of Moreno Valley.

Details:

On March 06, 2021, about 5:30 PM, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Moreno Valley Station, responded to the report of a hit-and-run traffic collision involving a pedestrian, on Sunnymead Boulevard, east of Heacock Street, in the city of Moreno Valley. Deputies arrived on-scene to find that a male pedestrian had suffered life-threatening injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. Deputies determined the vehicle involved in the collision with the pedestrian had fled the area without rendering aid or summoning assistance.

The Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station Traffic Collision Reconstruction Team responded to the location and assumed the investigation. Information obtained during the investigation revealed the victim was crossing Sunnymead Boulevard, east of the intersection with Heacock Street, when he was struck by a black Jeep Cherokee, traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed. Additional witness interviews and evidence recovered during the investigation indicated the black Jeep Cherokee was engaged in a street race with a blue Chevy Camaro when it struck the victim and fled the location eastbound on Sunnymead Boulevard.

While processing the scene for evidence, deputies were contacted by Jorge Diaz, 20-years-old, of Moreno Valley, who identified himself as the driver of the Jeep Cherokee, and Miguel Garcia Valdez, 23-years-old, of Perris, who identified himself as the Chevy Camaro’s driver. Following the investigation, Jorge Diaz was arrested and booked into custody for murder and charges related to street racing, while Miguel Garcia Valdez, who was also arrested, was charged with vehicular manslaughter and additional street racing related charges.

The identity of the deceased victim will not be released pending positive identification and notification to the next of kin.  It is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision at this time. The collision investigation required a long term, but temporary closure of Sunnymead Boulevard, between Heacock Street and Back Way.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Deputy Evan Bechtold of the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station at 951-486-6826 or the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at 951-776-1099.

Persons who wish to report criminal activity and wish to remain anonymous can call crime stoppers at 800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463) or 800-47-DRUGS (800-473-7847). You can also leave anonymous information on our Crime Tips Online Form.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

Jorge Diaz	Miguel Garcia Valdez