Street Racing Accident Claims Life of Rialto Teen, Suspect Arrested

A suspected illegal street race on Sunday night, December 1, claimed the life of a 19-year-old Rialto resident and left two others injured, according to the Rialto Police Department. The crash, which occurred on the 1400 block of South Cactus Avenue at approximately 10:32 p.m., ended in tragedy when one of the drivers lost control and struck a tree. The second driver was arrested at the scene.

Authorities identified the victim as Marcques Mena, who was behind the wheel of a white Ford Mustang. Investigators say Mena and 24-year-old Jose Perez-Villafuerte of Fontana were involved in a street race after stopping at the intersection of Cactus Avenue and San Bernardino Avenue.

As the two vehicles sped southbound on Cactus Avenue, Mena lost control of his car, which veered off the road and collided with a tree. Rialto Police officers arrived at the scene by 10:35 p.m., followed shortly by Rialto Fire Department paramedics. Despite their swift response, Mena was pronounced dead at 10:45 p.m.

Two passengers in Mena’s vehicle were rushed to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Perez-Villafuerte, driving a gray Ford Mustang, was located nearby and taken into custody. He was later booked into the San Bernardino County jail on a charge of vehicular manslaughter under Penal Code 192(c)(1). His bail has been set at $60,000.

Preliminary findings from the Rialto Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team indicate that neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to play a role in the crash. However, investigators continue to work on the case.

“The Rialto Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team responded to the scene and is conducting the investigation,” said Traffic Sergeant Dan Smith. “Anyone who may have information about this incident can contact us (909) 644-6025.”

The deadly incident has reignited concerns about the ongoing dangers of illegal street racing in Southern California communities. Authorities urge drivers to avoid participating in such reckless activities, which often have devastating consequences.