Press Releases

Details:

On July 6, 2021, about 11:58 PM, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Moreno Valley Station, responded to the report of a major injury traffic collision near the intersection of Cactus Avenue and Indian Street, in the city of Moreno Valley. Deputies arrived on-scene to find there were two vehicles involved, a grey Nissan Versa and a black Tesla Model-S. The driver and the two passengers of the Tesla were found to have minor to moderate injuries and were transported to a local area hospital for medical treatment. However, it was discovered the Nissan’s driver had suffered severe, life-threatening injuries, and was declared deceased at the scene by paramedics despite life saving measures taken by deputies and Cal Fire personnel.

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 Tesla was traveling northbound on Indian Street, at a high rate of speed, when it failed to stop for a red signal light, colliding with the Nissan as it traveled eastbound on Cactus Avenue, through the intersection with a green signal light. The collision resulted in the Nissan rolling-over and sliding several feet on its’ roof, causing the driver to be ejected before settling within the northbound lanes of Indian Street. At the same time, the collision caused the Tesla to veer off the roadway and crash through a cinderblock wall before coming to a rest in the backyard of a residence, located on the 24500 block of Tuscarora Circle. There were no injuries reported by the residents of the location.

The identities of the involved parties, including the deceased, will not be released pending further investigation and the notification to the next of kin. At this time, it remains uncertain if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the collision. Due to the collision investigation and the need for extensive cleanup, a temporary closure of Cactus Avenue, between Perham Drive and Sayan Drive, and Indian Street, between St. James Drive and Glencrest Drive, was required.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Deputy Kevin Seguin of the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station at 951-486-6879 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.