Rialto Planning Commissioner Barbara L. Chavez Killed in Fontana Accident Involving Driver Fleeing Crash; Shannon Milligan Arrested
Fontana, California (August 24, 2022) – The San Bernardino County Sheriff-coroner identified 70-year-old Barbara L. Chavez, a member of the Rialto Planning Commission, as the woman who died in a Sunday afternoon crash in Fontana.
Chavez was driving her car through the intersection of N. Maple and Foothill Boulevard when a driver fleeing another crash ran the red light and hit her car.
Chavez, a Fontana resident, was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:05 p.m. Sunday, August 21, by responding emergency personnel.
Chavez was headed south on Maple in her Honda sedan when Shannon Gene Milligan, 47, ran a red light while traveling west on Foothill in a Mercedes SUV and crashed into the Honda.
Former Fontana Unified School Board President Killed in Fontana Crash
Chavez was serving as a member of the Rialto Planning Commission and had served on the Fontana School Board and the Fontana Unified School District.
At the time of the crash, Milligan was fleeing another collision that happened in Rialto and had four passengers of ages 16, 18, 20 and 21 in his vehicle. The passengers were not injured, but Milligan sustained a minor injury.
The details of the first crash remained unknown.
Police arrested Milligan on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. He was being held at the San Bernardino County jail in place of $250,000 bail.
Original Story
Fontana, California (August 23, 2022) – A woman died when her car was struck by a driver fleeing the scene of another collision Sunday afternoon in Fontana, as per a local news source.
The incident took place at about 2:47 p.m. at Maple Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.
Fontana police and other emergency personnel responded to the intersection and found a Honda sedan and a Mercedes SUV with significant damage.
The driver of the Honda, only described as a woman, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was traveling south on Maple and the driver of the Mercedes ran a red light at the corner while heading west on Foothill.
Police also established that the Mercedes driver was, at the time of the crash, fleeing from the scene of a hit-and-run incident in Rialto. The motorist was arrested.
Back to School Safety Month
August is Back to School safety month. Slow down and look out for students in school zones.
As children head back to school, drivers, cyclists, and motorcyclists are reminded to be extra careful while driving through school zones.
“Please drive like it is your child, grandchild, niece or nephew walking or riding their bike to school,” Riverside Sheriff Department Southwest Station- Deputy Opice said. “Pick-up and drop-off times can be hectic, but it's important to be patient and stay safe as children are getting to and from school.”
Tips on how to stay safe around schools
- Follow speed limit
- Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to turn.
- Parents and drivers should follow school policies and procedures for picking up and dropping off students.
- Stop for school buses and watch for students rushing to catch or exiting the bus.
- Parents should teach the children walking or riding to and from school how to cross the road safely, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, crossing at marked crosswalks, and using available sidewalks.
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