Driver in crash that killed San Dimas woman released from jail

Here's an update on this weekend's fatal hit-and-run crash from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the Daily Bulletin's sister paper.

By Rod Leveque, Staff Writer

Posted: 08/18/2009 04:53:12 PM PDT

RANCHO CUCAMONGA - A suspected drunken driver was released from jail on Tuesday, two days after a car crash that killed a 22-year-old San Dimas woman.

Ontario police said they did not recommend criminal charges against Jeffrey Gonzales, 23, on Tuesday because they have not yet completed the investigation into the crash that claimed the life of Alyssa Nicole Randles.

Gonzales was arrested around 3:20 a.m. Sunday after his pickup truck collided with Randles' Volkswagen at Euclid and Schaefer avenues in Ontario.

Police suspect Gonzales was under the influence of alcohol when he made a left turn in front of Randles. They say he fled after the crash and was arrested when officers found him hiding nearby.

Two passengers in the Volkswagen survived the crash.

Gonzales was booked into San Bernardino County jail on Sunday on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and drunken driving.

By law, prosecutors either had to charge him with a crime by Tuesday or release him.

Ontario police Officer Craig Ansman said a team of eight officers has worked the crash investigation, but too many loose ends remained on Tuesday for them to submit their conclusions to the San Bernardino County District Attorney.

He said the investigation is focusing on which driver had the right-of-way through the intersection.

Ansman anticipated completing the majority of the investigation in a week or two.

Anyone who saw the crash is asked to contact the Ontario Police Traffic Division at (909) 395-2001.

rod.leveque@sgvn.com

(626) 962-8811, Ext. 2513