PERRIS: Man with multiple DUI convictions arrested after fatal, DUI hit and run

PERRIS — A Perris resident, who officials say has multiple DUI arrests and convictions, was arrested again after he allegedly fled the scene after hitting a pedestrian Monday evening, Jan. 29. The woman died about one and one half hours after the hit and run accident, which happened near Patriot Park on Murrieta Road, about one-half mile north of San Jacinto Avenue, in Perris.

After he was apprehended and arrested, Ismael Rivas, 50, of Perris, was booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta on suspicion of second-degree murder, hit and run and DUI resulting in great bodily injury. He was also booked for two prior state prison enhancements. He remains in custody, held on $100,000 bail, and is scheduled to be seen again at Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, Feb. 13.

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Perris Police Station responded to a report of a hit and run shortly after 8 p.m., after at least one witness called 911 to report the collision, Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant J.P. Strang explained after Rivas’ arrest.

The 911 caller told emergency dispatchers a Chevy pickup truck smashed into a pedestrian crossing the street near the park and then fled the area, according to Strang.

When officials arrived at the scene of the crash they found a woman down in the roadway suffering from major, traumatic injuries. She was later identified as Maricela Martinez, 47, of Moreno Valley.

American Medical Response medics rushed Martinez to Riverside University Health Systems in Moreno Valley for further life-saving efforts. Despite medical intervention, Martinez succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff at 9:40 p.m.

While deputies and other emergency first responders rushed to the victim’s aid near the park, other responding officials began searching for the alleged suspect.

Fortunately, the man who witnessed the accident and called 911 followed the alleged suspect, while providing dispatchers with constant updates regarding Rivas’ location and direction of travel.

With the 911 caller’s help, deputies eventually located Rivas traveling in the area of Menifee and Ellis Roads, about five miles from where the deadly accident happened.

Deputies conducted an investigatory traffic stop at which time they detained Rivas. During their initial investigation, deputies determined Rivas was under the influence of alcohol and had several prior convictions for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Based on their findings, deputies arrested Rivas for DUI, hit and run and other related charges.

Based on the circumstances, Perris PD’s Traffic Team responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. While Traffic Team members investigated the fatal hit and run, they called for the temporary closure of Murrieta Road near where the accident happened. The roadway was reopened several hours later and the Sheriff’s investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or who witnessed the deadly accident is encouraged to contact Deputy Kiebach at the Perris Sheriff’s Station at (951) 210-1000. Callers can refer to incident file number PE180290108 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

 

Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, who recently moved from Riverside County to Shasta County, runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for Riverside County based newspapers Valley News, The Valley Chronicle and Anza Valley Outlook as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center and Lake Elsinore Station, along with other locations.