- What happened near Mill Street and Ohio Street in Colton
- Timeline, location, and immediate response
- Who was involved and injury status reported by police
- What authorities have said so far
- Local context: traffic, roadway conditions, and seasonal travel
- A civil-injury perspective: potential liability and victim rights
- How families can obtain key records: police, coroner, and medical
- Insurance considerations and why to speak with a lawyer first
- Wrongful death and injury claims in California: deadlines and basics
- Special issues when children are injured in crashes
- DUI crash data and safety resources
- Victim support and county resources
- Commentary from Gosuits Colton, California Personal Injury Attorney
- Time-sensitive next steps
What happened near Mill Street and Ohio Street in Colton
Late Friday night in Colton, two adults were killed and two children were hospitalized after a two-vehicle collision that police classified as a DUI crash. According to information released by the Colton Police Department, officers responded around 10:15 p.m. to the intersection of Mill Street and Ohio Street. The crash involved a 2014 Toyota Camry and a 2013 BMW. The driver of the Toyota, a 24-year-old San Bernardino woman, was arrested at the scene. Authorities reported that one adult passenger in the Toyota and the front passenger in the BMW died at the scene. Three children from the Toyota were transported for medical treatment; two remained in critical but stable condition the following day, and one was released with minor injuries.
It’s a devastating event for families on both sides, and it happened at a major cross street locals use to get between South Colton neighborhoods and commercial corridors along Mill Street. Even if it’s a road you drive every day, a single reckless decision can change everything in a heartbeat.
Timeline, location, and immediate response
Police reported the first call at about 10:15 p.m. Friday night near Mill Street and Ohio Street. That intersection sits in a well-traveled area west of downtown Colton, not far from the industrial stretch that feeds traffic to and from the I-215 and I-10 corridors. At that hour on a holiday weekend, traffic can be unpredictable. First responders arrived quickly, securing the scene, assessing injuries, and coordinating transports for the injured children.
Law enforcement categorized the collision as DUI-related and detained the Toyota driver soon after arriving. Investigators documented the scene, interviewed witnesses, and began reconstructing what led to the impact. Those steps can take time. Families often wait days or weeks for the official collision report, toxicology results, and detailed findings.
Who was involved and injury status reported by police
Based on the police release:
- Toyota Camry: Five occupants total. The driver, a 24-year-old San Bernardino woman, was arrested. A 25-year-old San Bernardino man riding as a passenger died at the scene. Three children were transported to the hospital; two were reported in critical but stable condition on Saturday, and one was released with minor injuries.
- BMW: Three adult occupants. The front passenger, a 19-year-old Colton man, died at the scene. The backseat passenger was hospitalized in stable condition. The BMW’s driver was not detailed in the initial update.
Identities beyond age and city of residence had not been fully released. It’s common for authorities to take additional time to notify next of kin and complete preliminary investigative steps before sharing more.
What authorities have said so far
The Colton Police Department reported that the Toyota driver was arrested following the crash and faces allegations that include vehicular manslaughter and child endangerment. Police classified the collision as a DUI case. As of the latest update, it was not specified whether alcohol, drugs, or both were suspected. CPD asked anyone with additional information to contact the department at 909-370-5000. Families or witnesses with photos, dashcam video, or additional details can be important to investigators, particularly in nighttime crashes where lighting, speed, and signal timing may be at issue.
Local context: traffic, roadway conditions, and seasonal travel
Mill Street and Ohio Street serve a mix of residential and commercial traffic with frequent turning movements. On busy weekends, especially around the Thanksgiving holiday, travel volumes and late-night driving often increase across the Inland Empire. While we can’t assume what conditions applied here, roadway characteristics that sometimes matter in serious collisions include lane width, signal timing, sight lines near intersections, and lighting conditions after dark. Community members who travel this corridor know how quickly a normal Friday can shift when speed or impairment enters the picture.
Hospitals that commonly receive trauma patients from Colton collisions include Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and Loma Linda University Medical Center just across the Santa Ana River to the east. It’s normal for families to be split between hospitals when multiple people are injured in the same crash. That can make communication and record gathering stressful in the first 48 hours.
A civil-injury perspective: potential liability and victim rights
In civil law, a driver who operates a vehicle while impaired and causes a collision may be found negligent. California also recognizes negligence per se when a defendant violates a statute designed to protect the public and that violation causes the kind of harm the statute aims to prevent. For alcohol or drug impairment, prosecutors and civil attorneys often reference California’s DUI statutes and the evidence code governing negligence in such circumstances. See California Vehicle Code sections governing driving under the influence and California Evidence Code on negligence per se for background:
When a collision causes fatalities, families may have the right to bring wrongful death claims and, in some circumstances, survival actions on behalf of the decedent’s estate. These claims are civil, separate from any criminal case, and focus on accountability and legally recoverable losses like final expenses or the value of the loved one’s support. Statutes that define who may bring such claims and how they operate include:
Investigations will examine issues like impairment evidence, speed, right of way, seat belt and child restraint usage, and vehicle defects. Liability can be straightforward in DUI crashes but civil responsibility may still involve multiple parties or insurance policies. Families don’t have to sort it out alone. Even early guidance on preserving evidence and avoiding insurance missteps can make a substantial difference later.
How families can obtain key records: police, coroner, and medical
Police collision report and evidence
The primary collision report for an incident within city limits is typically maintained by the city police department that responded. For this crash, the Colton Police Department is the custodian. A report request usually requires a case number, date, and location. California provides a framework for requesting public records through the California Public Records Act, which outlines what records can be disclosed, any exemptions, and response timelines. Background on the act is available from the California Attorney General:
Witnesses who captured dashcam footage or photos should preserve original files with metadata intact. It’s wise to keep a backup and avoid altering or compressing the files before providing them to investigators or counsel. If a traffic signal or nearby business likely has video, time is of the essence because many systems overwrite footage within days.
Coroner’s records, autopsy, and death certificates
In San Bernardino County, the Sheriff-Coroner manages death investigations, autopsy reports, and release processes. Families seeking information can find procedures and contact details through the county’s official site:
Death certificates are generally obtained through the County Recorder-Clerk after the coroner files necessary documents. The county provides instructions for ordering certified copies for authorized requesters:
Autopsy and coroner investigative reports can take time, particularly when toxicology is pending. Families can request updates from the coroner’s office and note any statutory rights they have to certain records once the investigation reaches a releasable stage.
Medical records for injured survivors
Hospitals and trauma centers maintain treatment records that can be requested by the patient, the parent or legal guardian of a minor, or a personal representative. Requests usually require a signed authorization and valid identification. For patients transferred to multiple facilities, each hospital will have its own medical records department. Keep a list of every provider involved, including EMS responders, to ensure the treatment picture is complete.
DMV crash reporting requirement
California requires involved drivers to report a traffic crash to the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeds a statutory threshold. This is typically done with the SR-1 form. See the DMV’s guidance:
Because statements can affect both civil and criminal matters, it’s prudent for involved drivers to consult with an attorney before submitting written descriptions. Even a well-intended phrase can be misread later.
Insurance considerations and why to speak with a lawyer first
Insurance adjusters often reach out quickly, sometimes while families are still at the hospital. That first call feels routine, but it’s designed to gather statements and lock in details that can reduce claim value later. In a case with fatalities and serious injuries, there may be multiple policies in play: the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, potential umbrella coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on the BMW occupants’ policy, and medical payments coverage. When children are involved, claims may need added protections and court approval if a settlement is proposed.
If you plan to make an insurance claim, it’s best to speak with a seasoned attorney first for a free consultation to understand rights and risks before any recorded statement. What someone says to an insurer can be used against them later, even if facts develop differently after a full investigation. A lawyer can also coordinate preservation letters for vehicle data, nearby surveillance footage, and 911 audio logs so critical evidence isn’t lost.
Wrongful death and injury claims in California: deadlines and basics
California’s default statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death is generally two years from the date of injury or death. See Code of Civil Procedure §335.1:
Other statutes define who can bring wrongful death claims and survival actions, as noted above. Where government entities may be involved, shorter administrative claim deadlines can apply, but in a DUI crash between private motorists the two-year period is typically the benchmark. Because every case has unique facts, families often consult counsel early to calendar precise dates and identify any exceptions.
Evidence that supports civil claims often includes the police collision report, scene and vehicle photos, event data recorder downloads, witness statements, medical records, and proof of economic losses. If impairment evidence is alleged, toxicology results and related investigative notes are important. Attorneys can obtain and analyze these materials through lawful requests and, when needed, expert reconstruction.
Special issues when children are injured in crashes
When minors are injured, California law adds two layers of protection. First, the deadline to bring a civil claim is typically tolled during minority, meaning the statutory clock doesn’t run for most claims until the child turns 18. See Code of Civil Procedure §352:
Second, any settlement for a minor generally requires court approval to ensure it’s in the child’s best interest. Related provisions appear in Code of Civil Procedure §372 and Probate Code §3500:
Parents and guardians frequently find the paperwork and approval steps unfamiliar. Courts may require structured arrangements to safeguard funds for medical needs or long-term support. Having guidance early can simplify what otherwise feels like a maze of forms and deadlines.
DUI crash data and safety resources
Alcohol- and drug-impaired driving is a persistent cause of catastrophic collisions, especially at night and on weekends. Federal and California agencies report that impaired-driving fatalities remain a significant percentage of roadway deaths each year. For broader context, see the following sources:
- NHTSA: Drunk Driving for national impaired-driving facts and prevention strategies
- California Office of Traffic Safety: Research and Statistics for state crash trends, including alcohol-involved collisions
Child passenger protection also matters in crashes like this one involving minors. Proper restraints dramatically reduce severe injury risk. Public health guidance is available here:
It’s important not to speculate about specific restraint use or compliance in this incident. Those facts will be addressed in the police and coroner investigations.
Victim support and county resources
After sudden loss and serious injury, families often need more than legal information. Local and state resources can help with practical and emotional support:
- Colton Police Department: For tips, collision report status, or to share witness information. CPD’s non-emergency line was listed as 909-370-5000 in the public release.
- San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner: Guidance on decedent identification, release, and autopsy records. See Sheriff-Coroner.
- San Bernardino County Recorder-Clerk: Certified death certificates for authorized requesters. See Recorder-Clerk.
- California Victim Compensation Board: In some cases involving criminal conduct, eligible victims and families may qualify for support with certain expenses. See CalVCB.
- California DMV: Crash reporting requirements and SR-1 form. See DMV accident reporting.
When calling agencies, have incident details in front of you: date and time, location, names and birthdates, and any case numbers provided by police or hospitals. Keep a running log of who you spoke with and what they advised. It helps enormously if you need to follow up later or share information with an attorney.
Commentary from Gosuits Colton, California Personal Injury Attorney
Our hearts are with everyone affected by this crash near Mill and Ohio. Two lives lost and children hurt is something no community ever gets used to. Please take this as educational information meant to help you understand the civil side of a tragic event, not as specific direction for any particular person.
From a civil perspective, a collision classified by police as DUI often points to strong negligence findings, especially where innocent passengers and other roadway users are harmed. Still, the full picture depends on more than one label. It’s important to gather the police report, witness statements, vehicle data, and, when available, toxicology results. In multi-occupant, multi-vehicle cases like this, multiple insurance policies and claim types may apply, and that has real consequences for how families proceed.
In our experience, insurance companies and corporate claim departments move quickly after incidents like this. They ask for recorded statements, push early medical authorizations, and sometimes suggest a fast settlement well before anyone knows the long-term medical outlook or the full measure of a family’s loss. That’s not an accident. These tactics capitalize on exhaustion and grief. It’s the reason we consistently recommend getting a free consultation with a skilled attorney before talking to insurers. The words someone uses in those first calls can be used against them later, even when new facts emerge.
A free consultation helps people understand which claims may exist, which policies may be in play, what deadlines matter, and what evidence should be preserved right now. It also gives families a chance to ask hard questions in plain language and get practical steps for the next few days and weeks. No one should have to navigate this alone or guess at how the system works while they’re also caring for injured children or planning services for a loved one.
Time-sensitive next steps
- Preserve evidence immediately: Save and back up any photos, videos, dashcam files, and text messages related to the crash. Note nearby businesses or residences that may have cameras facing Mill Street or Ohio Street and politely request that footage be preserved. Many systems overwrite in a matter of days.
- Request official records: Track the police report case number and monitor when it becomes available. Confirm with the Sheriff-Coroner how and when to request autopsy findings and obtain certified death certificates from the Recorder-Clerk when permitted.
- Coordinate medical documentation: Create a simple file for hospital discharge summaries, imaging reports, prescriptions, and follow-up referrals. Consistent documentation supports continuity of care and protects the integrity of any future claim.
- Avoid recorded statements to insurers until after a free legal consultation: Statements made early can be used against the speaker later. A brief consultation clarifies rights, coverage sources, and common pitfalls in complex, multi-party crashes.
- Calendar key dates: Note the date of the crash, any hospital admission and discharge dates, and follow-up appointments. In California, most civil claims have strict deadlines measured in months and years. Timely action protects the ability to pursue claims if a family later decides to do so.
- Focus support where it’s needed now: Arrange transportation, childcare, and meal coordination for households split between grief and hospital visits. Keeping day-to-day life steady helps injured children and grieving adults recover and make clearer decisions when the time comes.
Acting on these steps early protects evidence, preserves options, and reduces the chance that crucial details fall through the cracks during an already overwhelming time.
