Rialto Police Chase Ends in Deadly Crash

Suspect with lengthy criminal record accused of running red light, killing driver

Feb. 26, 2026 at 4:19am

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A 33-year-old man with over 30 prior arrests, including for auto theft and evading police, allegedly ran a red light in a stolen SUV during a high-speed chase with Rialto police, resulting in a fatal collision that killed a 39-year-old driver. The suspect, Emanuel Ayala, was booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, felony evading, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers posed by repeat offenders with extensive criminal histories who continue to endanger public safety, raising questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing such incidents and protecting innocent lives.

The details

According to police, Ayala was driving a stolen 2018 Dodge Journey when Redlands police tracked the vehicle to an apartment complex. When Rialto officers attempted to pull him over, Ayala allegedly sped off, leading to a high-speed chase reaching up to 100 mph. At the intersection of Highland and Pepper avenues, Ayala is accused of running a red light and colliding with a vehicle driven by 39-year-old Marcus Loring, who was fatally injured.

  • On Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 8:53 PM, Rialto police received a call from Redlands police about the location of the stolen SUV.
  • The high-speed chase began around 9:00 PM and lasted several minutes.
  • The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Highland and Pepper avenues around 9:23 PM.
  • Marcus Loring was pronounced dead at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center at 10:02 PM.

The players

Emanuel Ayala

A 33-year-old man from Bloomington with an extensive criminal record, including over 30 prior arrests for offenses such as auto theft and evading police.

Marcus Loring

A 39-year-old driver from San Bernardino who was killed when Ayala's stolen SUV collided with his vehicle.

Rialto Police Department

The law enforcement agency that pursued Ayala and is investigating the fatal collision.

Redlands Police

The police department that initially tracked the stolen SUV to an apartment complex, leading to the Rialto police chase.

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What they’re saying

“Ayala has 'an extensive criminal past' that include 30 arrests for previous felony convictions, including auto theft and evading police, as well as for theft and narcotics offenses, all of which demonstrated a 'lack of care for public safety.'”

— Rialto Police Department (sbsun.com)

What’s next

The San Bernardino Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Team is conducting an independent investigation into the collision, and Ayala is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for more effective measures to address repeat offenders and prevent such senseless loss of life, as well as the importance of thorough investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding high-speed police chases and fatal collisions.