One Dead, Others Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash in La Presa

Residents call for action to address speeding on dangerous road after latest fatal incident

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A multi-vehicle crash in the La Presa neighborhood of San Diego on Friday night left one person dead and others injured. Locals described a chaotic scene with overturned cars and people trapped, requiring the help of first responders and bystanders to free victims. Residents say this is the third fatal crash they've witnessed on the high-speed Jamacha Boulevard in the past five years.

Why it matters

The deadly crash highlights ongoing safety concerns about speeding and dangerous driving conditions on Jamacha Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the La Presa community. Residents are calling for measures to slow down traffic and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and those living nearby.

The details

According to witnesses, the impact of the multi-car collision around 10:30 pm on Friday was so loud it sounded like a car had hit a nearby house. Three vehicles were overturned, with one driver trapped inside their car. Bystander Kevin Rivera and a police officer worked to free the trapped driver by breaking the windshield. However, Rivera was unable to rescue another driver, who died at the scene. Denise Arvizu, a five-year resident of the area, said she has known of three fatal crashes on Jamacha Boulevard during her time living there, with drivers traveling at high speeds.

  • The multi-vehicle crash occurred around 10:30 pm on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • In the past 5 years, Denise Arvizu has known of 3 fatal crashes on Jamacha Boulevard.

The players

Kevin Rivera

A local resident who rushed to the scene of the crash and helped free a trapped driver.

Denise Arvizu

A 5-year resident of the La Presa neighborhood who has witnessed 3 fatal crashes on Jamacha Boulevard during that time.

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What they’re saying

“It felt like a car hit my house, that's how loud the bang was.”

— Kevin Rivera (NBC 7)

“It was horrible, it was you come out to three cars turned over, people yelling for help, people scared, you know...it's just a mess, there's glass everywhere.”

— Kevin Rivera (NBC 7)

“Just reduced the speed. Just be cautious...families live here.”

— Denise Arvizu (NBC 7)

What’s next

California Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation into the crash. They are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers.

The takeaway

This tragic crash underscores the urgent need for safety improvements on Jamacha Boulevard to address the persistent problem of speeding and dangerous driving conditions that have claimed multiple lives in the La Presa community. Residents are pleading for measures to slow down traffic and protect pedestrians, drivers, and those living nearby.