Full Notification

DATE/TIME: August 16, 2017, 7:47 p.m.

INCIDENT: Hit and Run Collision, Haz Mat Response, Road Closure

LOCATION: 27000 block of Baseline Street

SUSPECT: Demitrus Garcia, 28, Loma Linda

SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 7:47 p.m. an Alta Dena tractor-trailer was travelling west on Baseline St. A grey Honda Accord, believed to be driven by Demitrus Garcia, was also travelling west on Baseline St. and made an unsafe lane change and collided into the passenger side of the semi -truck. The vehicle and the truck traveled entangled for a short distance, crossed the opposing east lanes of Baseline St., and came to rest along the south curb of Baseline St. The driver of the truck was uninjured during the incident.

Garcia drove away from the accident without contacting the other driver or exchanging information as required by law. His heavily damaged vehicle was found abandoned a short distance from the scene of the accident. Garcia is being sought by deputies for questioning about the incident.

During the collision, a diesel fuel tank on the truck was ruptured, spilling a large amount of fuel onto the roadway. The Highland Fire Department responded along with other agencies and contractors for a hazardous material containment and cleanup. This caused the need to close the east lanes of Baseline St. for approximately 5 hours.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect, is urged to contact the Highland Police Department at (909) 425-9793 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (909) 387-8313. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tiip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com

Refer: Deputy Anagnostopoulos

Station: Highland

Phone No. (909) 425-9793

Case No. 131703166

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department