A man riding in the backseat of a taxi was killed when a speeding SUV plowed into the rear of the cab at a red light, sending both vehicles into a San Bernardino intersection where a third vehicle in cross-traffic slammed into them, police said.
Police were searching Saturday for two people - possibly a man and woman - who were seen fleeing the site of the crash at Highland Avenue and Del Rosa Boulevard about 10:15 p.m. Friday, the San Bernardino Police Department said.
The taxi passenger, identified as Cesar Figueroa, was decalred dead at the scene, police said.
He was on his way to see a friend but never made it. Fighting back tears, his niece, Ivett Hernandez, described the 41-year-old as "always happy" and a "hard-working man."
Figueroa's family said he leaves behind a wife and two teenage girls.
"He always has my aunt drive him or take a taxi," Hernandez said, explaining her uncle didn't like to drive.
The 56-year-old cab driver, David Zuniga, was hospitalized at St. Bernardine Medical Center with moderate injuries, police said. Gloria Alva, the 25-year-old woman behind the wheel of the third car, a Honda Civic, was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Local
Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.
The back seat of the taxi was pushed into the front seat where family members said Figueroa was sitting.
Investigators don't know if the occupants of the SUV, a Suburban, suffered injuries.
"Whoever did this just come forward," Hernandez said.
The registered owner of the Suburban told police he let someone borrow his car when the crash occurred.
Anyone with information is asked to call 909-984-5664.
