Suspect in Fatal El Centro Crash Released Same Day on $35K Bail

El Centro, CA - The individual arrested in connection to a fatal collision that took two lives Wednesday afternoon was released after posting bond, says the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office.

The suspect, a resident of Imperial, was arrested on the day of the collision and was booked in Imperial County Jail. The suspect was released that day after a bond of $35,000 was posted.

The collision, which happened at the intersection of Main Street and Fairfield Drive, is also investigated for potential involvement in illegal street racing. The collision was recorded on surveillance camera when one driver collided with a vehicle turning to his left before colliding with a second vehicle. The two vehicle occupants, including the driver of the vehicle responsible for causing the collision, perished in the accident.

The Imperial County District Attorney’s Office says it is continuing to review the case in order to determine charges to be brought forward. If it is established that street racing was a factor in causing the collision, the suspect would be charged with charges of vehicular manslaughter. In more serious instances, in instances when a driver has been cautioned of the hazardsof careless driving, charges of second-degree murder would be in order.

The identities of the two victims as well as the suspect are yet to be released by authorities.

The El Centro Police Department is encouraging any witnesses or anyoneoffering tips related to the collision to come forward. Contact can be made to Sergeant Adrian Chilpa at (760) 352-2111 or via email to achilpa@ecpd.org. Anonymous tips can also be given via social media or in person at ECPD’s station.