Suspect Involved in Fontana Fatal Crash Found After Escape From Hospital in Colton

COLTON, Calif., Sept. 5 (KNN) — Authorities captured a pursuit suspect who escaped from a Colton hospital after a fatal crash involving an innocent driver in Fontana Wednesday afternoon.

The male driver of a white Jeep Cherokee fled from a California Highway Patrol officer during a traffic stop, which prompted a pursuit briefly on the 15 Freeway before the Jeep exited and ultimately collided with an innocent driver in a Mustang at the intersection of Beech and Cherry avenues in Fontana.

Officers at the scene summoned medical aid for both drivers. However, the driver of the Mustang was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to the CHP, and the driver of the Jeep was transported to a nearby hospital with unknown injuries.

The suspect, who was driving the Jeep, somehow managed to escape custody at the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton while handcuffed and wearing a hospital gown.

Immediately, an extensive search was underway, comprised of multiple agencies. According to the CHP, bloodhounds and K-9 units searched nearby residences for the suspect.

The suspect was taken into custody by a CHP K-9, the Rialto Police Department, and the San Bernardino Sheriff’s K-9 around 12:30 a.m. Thursday.

He was located across the street from the medical center on the 400 block of North Pepper Avenue, with one handcuff on his hand and still wearing the hospital gown.

Randy Dominguez, Video Journalist / KNN

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