Christian Smith dies in fatal Rialto hit-and-run crash

Christian Smith dies in fatal Rialto hit-and-run crash

Fatal Rialto hit-and-run crash death of Christian Smith – Obituary.

Christian Smith, 45, lost his life in a tragic hit-and-run collision on the night of April 17, 2025, at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Pepper Avenue in Rialto, California. Authorities arrived at the scene shortly after 11:00 p.m., where they found Smith critically injured. Despite efforts by emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at 11:11 p.m.

Initial investigations indicated that Smith was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when he was struck by a vehicle that failed to stop and fled the scene. The driver continued south on Pepper Avenue without rendering aid.

Thanks to surveillance footage and community tips, Rialto police identified 52-year-old Roland Contreras of Colton as the suspect. A search warrant executed on May 1 led to Contreras’ arrest at his home, where the vehicle involved was also found and seized as evidence.

Contreras was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on charges of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run resulting in injury or death. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue gathering details surrounding the fatal crash.