Upland man dies in San Bernardino street race
By Jonah Valdez | jvaldez@scng.com | San Gabriel Valley Tribune
PUBLISHED: April 25, 2020 at 4:13 p.m. | UPDATED: April 25, 2020 at 5:07 p.m.
An Upland man died early Friday morning after losing control of his car during an apparent street race in San Bernardino, authorities said.
Authorities identified the man as Michael Anthony Rodriguez, 34, San Bernardino police said Saturday in a news release.
Witnesses watched as Rodriguez, driving a Nissan Maxima, raced south along Mount Vernon Avenue alongside a dark-colored vehicle, police said.
As he approached Rialto Avenue, police said Rodriguez lost control of his vehicle. The Maxima struck a signal pole, ejecting Rodriguez out onto the pavement.
Officers reported to the crash about 2:09 a.m. and pronounced him dead at the scene.
Police said the dark-colored vehicle involved in the race drove off before officers arrived.
Though it was unclear whether drugs or alcohol was a factor in the crash, police believe high speeds may have led to the crash.
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Jonah Valdez | Reporter
Jonah Valdez is a reporter covering public safety and the criminal justice system. His reporting includes coverage of major wildfires, mass shootings, protests for racial justice, and the impacts of COVID-19 in prisons. Before joining the Southern California News Group in Aug. 2018, Jonah worked at ABC7, freelanced for Voice of San Diego, and interned at The San Diego Union-Tribune.
jvaldez@scng.com
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