The people in Perris are mourning the loss of a little girl and her grandmother, who was killed in a chain-reaction, traffic collision with a potentially impaired driver.
KTLA reports that, according to the Riverside Sheriff’s Office, the four-vehicle collision happened at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20th.
According to Sheriff’s Office investigators, the driver of a Mercedes Benz was heading southbound on Perris Boulevard and ran a red light at the intersection of the Ramona Expressway. The driver crashed into a Dodge Durango SUV being driven by Arlene Evans, the mother of 8-year-old Dannalee Evans.
In a chain-reaction crash, the Durango hit a Honda Accord that was waiting at the light.
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Sheriff’s deputies and paramedics were called to the site of the accident where Dannalee and her grandmother, 75-year-old Feliciana Martines, suffered significant injuries. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Arlene Evans and another child who was in the Durango at the time survived the crash, suffering minor injuries.
The driver of the Mercedes and the occupants of the Honda were reported to have suffered minor injuries and were taken to an area hospital for treatment. Sheriff’s Office officials have not said how many others may have been involved in the crash.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and other related charges. His identity has not been released.
On Wednesday night, family, friends, and classmates gathered to hold a vigil for Danalee and her grandmother. Many were deeply affected by the loss of a little girl who was popular at her school and in her neighborhood.
“I have been dragging my heart around all day,” said teacher’s aide Karina Scott, “She was our light.”
Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for medical costs and funeral expenses.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with any information about the crash to call (951) 210-1098 and speak with Deputy Cail at the Perris station.
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