DUI suspected in Perris crash that killed two, ages 8 & 75

PERRIS, Calif. — Authorities are investigating the cause of a Perris traffic collision that left two people dead and hospitalized three others Monday evening, July 20.

Although officials have said DUI is suspected in the deadly crash, which happened at the intersection of Perris Blvd. and Ramona Expressway, they did not specify if any arrests have been made.

Officials have also not specified if the driver who caused the collision was suspected of being under the influence, or if one of the other drivers was suspected of being intoxicated.

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Deputies from the Perris Sheriff’s Station, Cal Fire/Riverside firefighters and paramedics, and AMR personnel were dispatched to the scene around 10 p.m., after receiving reports of a major injury traffic collision, Riverside Sheriff’s Sgt. Marshall has since said of the deadly collision.

When officials arrived at the scene they found three wrecked vehicles, described as a white Dodge Durango, dark-colored Mercedes-Benz, and dark-colored Honda within the intersection.

Vehicle parts and debris were scattered throughout the intersection, which officials quickly shut down to allow for the ensuing clean-up and investigation.

Paramedics and other medical personnel work at the scene trying to save the lives of a 75-year-old woman and 8-year-old girl. Justin Howe/The Rugged West photo.

Firefighters found two passengers in the Dodge, identified only as a 75-year-old woman and an 8-year-old girl, who sustained major traumatic injuries.

Despite extensive life-saving efforts by paramedics and other medical personnel, both victims succumbed to their injuries and passed away at the scene.

Although Cal Fire later reported one other victim was transported to an area hospital for their injuries, Marshall reported the driver of the Mercedes as well as the drivers of the other two vehicles, sustained minor injuries and were transported for further treatment.

Based on the circumstances, members of the Perris Station’s Traffic Reconstruction Team responded and assumed the investigation.

“The preliminary investigation showed a motorist driving a Mercedes, was traveling southbound on Perris Blvd., ran the red light at Ramona Expressway, and collided with a Dodge Durango that was traveling westbound on Ramona Expressway,” explained Marshall. “The Dodge Durango then struck a Honda Accord which was waiting to turn northbound onto Perris Blvd.”

While deputies investigated the cause of the collision they called for the temporary closure of the intersection; which was re-opened at 2:45 am.

Despite life-saving efforts, both the 75-year-old woman and 8-year-old girl passed away at the scene, according to officials. Justin Howe/The Rugged West photo.

Alcohol and/or drug intoxication “appeared to be a factor in this collision,” according to Marshall; who did not specify if the driver of the Mercedes or one of the other drivers was suspected of being intoxicated.

The sheriff’s investigation is ongoing and no further information has been released at this time.

Anyone who may have witnessed this collision and has not been interviewed is encouraged to call Deputy Cail at the Perris Sheriff’s Station at (951) 210-1068. Callers can refer to incident file number PE202020114 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s Crime Tips online form.

This is a developing story that will be updated as new information is available.

To view more photos from this deadly collision visit The Rugged West on Facebook or online.

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Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, 48, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County based newspapers, Valley News, (the now defunct) Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County and Mountain Echo in Shasta 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. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s 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.

Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.

Trevor has been married for more than 29 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 16 grandchildren.

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