Joey Gomez, Jose Caudillo Obituary, Death – The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has released the name of the second man who died in a tragic wrong-way rollover crash on the San Bernardino (10) Freeway in Pomona, which occurred during a police chase. The crash took place on Friday afternoon while officers from the Pomona Police Department were pursuing a black BMW X6 on the westbound lanes of the freeway. The driver of the BMW attempted to evade police by going the wrong way near Kellogg Drive, but soon lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a fatal accident.
According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Sergio Garcia, the BMW crashed into a dirt berm and rolled multiple times onto the transition road from the northbound Chino Valley (71) Freeway. The driver, identified as Erick Daniel Bolanos, a 30-year-old man from Montclair, fled the scene on foot following the crash. However, Pomona police officers quickly apprehended and took Bolanos into custody.
Tragically, two passengers inside the BMW were ejected from the vehicle during the violent rollover and were pronounced dead at the scene. The two men were later identified as 38-year-old Jose Caudillo and 34-year-old Joey Gomez. According to the Medical Examiner’s Office, both men died as a result of blunt traumatic injuries sustained in the crash. Gomez was the first to be identified on Saturday, while Caudillo’s name was released the following day.
In addition to the two fatalities, a third passenger in the BMW, a 45-year-old man, sustained injuries but survived. Although his injuries were described as non-life-threatening, he was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital for treatment, particularly for abdominal injuries.
The crash also involved a second vehicle, driven by a 44-year-old woman in a white Toyota C-HR. Her vehicle was struck by debris from the BMW as it rolled across the transition road. Fortunately, she was not injured in the incident.
The crash, which resulted from Bolanos’ attempt to flee from law enforcement, is now under investigation by the California Highway Patrol’s Baldwin Park Area unit. The investigation is being carried out with the assistance of the CHP Southern Division’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT), which specializes in complex traffic collision investigations.
Although the exact details of the pursuit and crash are still being pieced together, law enforcement officials are pursuing criminal charges against Bolanos for his role in the deadly incident. The Pomona Police Department is working in coordination with the CHP to build a case that will likely result in serious charges, including those related to vehicular manslaughter and fleeing from law enforcement.
The wrong-way crash highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases and the deadly consequences that can arise when a driver makes reckless decisions to evade capture. Wrong-way driving is especially dangerous on freeways, where high speeds and heavy traffic often result in catastrophic accidents. The decision of the driver to attempt to escape by driving in the wrong direction was a fatal one, leading to the deaths of two passengers and leaving others injured.
This tragic incident has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the families of the victims and the Pomona community. As investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the crash, authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The CHP has specifically requested that anyone with details about the crash contact Officer H. Metzgar at 626-338-1164.
The case underscores the importance of safe and responsible driving, particularly during interactions with law enforcement. Attempts to flee from police often result in dangerous situations not only for the driver but also for passengers and innocent bystanders. In this case, the decision to flee at high speed ultimately cost the lives of two men and caused severe injuries to another.
The Pomona Police Department and the CHP continue to investigate the crash, focusing on reconstructing the sequence of events and assessing any contributing factors, such as speed, road conditions, or potential impairment. While the driver, Erick Daniel Bolanos, is now in custody, the criminal investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as authorities review the evidence and testimonies.
This tragic wrong-way crash serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and often fatal outcomes that can result from reckless driving during police pursuits. The families of Jose Caudillo and Joey Gomez are now left to mourn the loss of their loved ones, while the justice system works to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
As the investigation continues, the community will be closely watching the case to see how it unfolds and what charges Bolanos will ultimately face for his role in this devastating incident.