Street Racer to Defendant
RIVERSIDE (CNS) – A 23-year-old motorist who allegedly fled from California Highway Patrol officers trying to catch him for illegally racing on an Inland Empire freeway and collided with a big rig, fatally injuring the trucker, will stand trial for murder and other offenses.
Modesto Daniel Carpio of San Jacinto allegedly killed 55-year-old Stephen Palacios of Rancho Cucamonga in April.
Following a preliminary hearing Friday afternoon, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Charles Koosed found there was sufficient evidence to bound Carpio over for trial on the murder count, as well as felony evading and engaging in an illegal speed contest.
The judge scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment for Dec. 23 at the Riverside Hall of Justice. The defendant is free on a $500,000 bond.
According to the California Highway Patrol, on the night of April 13, motorists on the eastbound Pomona (60) Freeway near Euclid Avenue in Ontario called 911 to report several freeway lanes obstructed by organizers of a street race.
Officer Rodrigo Jimenez said patrol vehicles reached the location moments later, at which point Carpio was quickly identified as one of the alleged racers, prompting a patrol unit to signal him to pull over.
Jimenez alleged the defendant floored his Infiniti sports car, attempting to elude the unit, heading south into Riverside County via Interstate 15.
“Carpio accelerated to speeds exceeding 100 mph and transitioned onto the westbound 91,” Jimenez said. “While fleeing at high speed, the Infiniti collided with a semi truck hauling a trailer east of Lincoln Avenue (in Corona). The impact forced the semi into a freeway sound wall and ejected the driver.”
Palacios was found in grave condition by Corona Fire Department paramedics. He was taken to Riverside Community Hospital, where he died an hour later.
His passenger, whose name was not disclosed, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the same hospital. He has since recovered.
Carpio, who was alone in the Infiniti, was not hurt. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into jail.
CHP Capt. Sal Suarez said at the time that the fatal collision “underscores why the CHP remains committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who endanger lives through reckless behavior.”
Carpio has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.
It was unclear whether investigators ever tracked down other participants in the alleged street race.
For More Law and Disorder News Visit www.zapinin.com
