Westminster Woman Notifies Police Of Erratic Driver Moments Before Deadly Crash
SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — Authorities released the identity of a 38-year-old woman on Tuesday who was killed in a car crash in San Bernardino.
According to the San Bernardino Police Department, Rachel Welch, of Westminster, has been identified as the victim.
Shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Monday, officers were sent to the area of 8th and "E" streets for report of a major injury traffic collision.
Upon their arrival, authorities located Welch inside of her 1999 Chevrolet Lumina, which had crashed into a wall.
Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Firefighters were called to assist at the scene where they extinguished a small vehicle fire that resulted from the collision.
A preliminary investigation revealed Welch lost control of her vehicle as she traveled at a high rate of speed heading southbound on "E" Street.
Police explained her vehicle veered left, crossed over the northbound lanes, rolled onto its roof and then slid in the roadway until subsequently colliding with a wall.
"It does not appear as though Ms. Welch was wearing her seat belt," added Sgt. Vicki Cervantes.
Further investigation revealed Welch was on the phone with authorities moments before the crash occurred. She reported that a truck nearly drove her off the road.
Officers believe Welch was attempting to catch up to the truck prior to losing control of her vehicle.
A description of the suspect vehicle has not been provided.
Anyone with information regarding this case has been urged to contact the San Bernardino Police Department at (909) 384-5664.