Tejeda for Redlands

Suspect arrested in fatal hit-and-run that killed motorcyclist

Redlands Police arrested a 24-year-old San Bernardino man Thursday in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision that killed a motorcyclist on Highway 38 Tuesday evening, June 9.

Victor Gonzalez was taken into custody without incident shortly after 12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at his home in the 7800 block of McKinley Avenue. A gold 2008 Mercedes-Benz C30 with extensive collision damage to the driver’s side was also recovered at the home, covered by a tarp.

Officers responded shortly after 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a vehicle fire on Highway 38 between Amethyst and Garnet streets. Upon arrival, police learned that a vehicle had collided with a motorcycle driven by a 73-year-old Redlands man, ejecting the rider. Leaking fuel from the motorcycle caught fire, setting the motorcycle on fire and burning the victim. Bystanders assisted in putting out the flames and began CPR on the victim until Redlands Fire Department paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The driver, later identified as Gonzalez, fled the area east on Highway 38. Police used dash cam video from a witness and automated license plate recognition cameras to identify the vehicle and the driver.

As we honor and remember those who served our country and fought and died in the wars we waged, we pray for the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless our men and women in our nation's military.