Perris teen ID’d after deadly hit and run rollover crash

December 18, 2021 Trevor Montgomery

PERRIS, Calif., — Although few details have been released, officials have identified a local teen who was killed in a hit and run traffic collision at the intersection of Hwy. 74 and Margarth Street, between the cities of Perris and Lake Elsinore, last night, Friday, Dec. 17.

Although a second vehicle that was possibly involved in the deadly hit and run was later located about a quarter-mile from where the collision occurred, it was not immediately known if anyone had been identified or arrested.

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California Highway Patrol, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Cal Fire – Riverside, and other emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene around 8:45 p.m. after receiving the report of a possible hit and run with a passenger sedan that had overturned, according to a CHP incident log.

The 911 caller reported seeing a man near the wrecked vehicle who was trying to flag down passing motorists; however, it was not immediately clear if that man had been involved in the accident or if he was a good Samaritan who had stopped after witnessing the rollover crash.

Delilah Garcia Garibay, 17, of Perris, was killed in a hit and run traffic collision in an unincorporated part of Perris on Friday night. Garibay family photo/GoFundMe

Deputies who were first to arrive at the scene confirmed finding an overturned grey, 2004 Honda Accord with a critically injured occupant.

Deputies also advised CHP, whose officers were still responding to the scene, that the vehicle involved in the hit and run was believed to be a grey sedan with possible front-end damage, that was last seen heading southbound toward Lake Elsinore.

After being extricated from the Honda, the victim was rushed by ground ambulance to Inland Valley Medical Center where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office has since identified Delilah Garcia Garibay, 17, of Perris, as the victim killed in the crash. A Coroner’s release indicated she was pronounced deceased at 10:08 p.m.

The victim’s vehicle was later towed from the scene and held as evidence in the hit and run.

A short time later, at around 9:50 p.m., CHP’s incident log indicated that a fire captain reported spotting an abandoned vehicle with its hazard lights activated on Margarth Street, about a quarter-mile south of Hwy 74, where the hit and run had occurred.

Although it was not immediately known if that vehicle was confirmed to have been involved in the deadly crash, CHP’s log indicated that the car, a Kia Optima, was towed and held as possible evidence in the collision.

CHP’s investigation is continuing and no other details have been released.

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In the wake of the victim’s passing, her family members have created a GoFundMe fundraiser asking for financial help with Garibay’s funeral costs and other expenses.

“Her mom, siblings and family need strength at this time,” the fundraiser’s creator, Elizabeth Romero explained.

“Delilah’s father and brother – both of whom passed away in previous years – are wrapping their arms around her in heaven,” Romero continued; adding, “Life is short, hug your loved ones, and tell them you love them.”

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

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Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, 50, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS).

Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County based newspapers Valley News, Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; the Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County; and Mountain Echo in Shasta County. He is also a regular contributor to Thin Blue Line TV and Law Enforcement News Network and has had his stories featured on news stations throughout the Southern California and North State regions.

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 30 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 18 grandchildren.