A Lake Elsinore man died at the scene of a two-vehicle collision in Menifee Wednesday night, police said.
The Coroner identified the deceased as William Garduno, 67. The preliminary investigation indicated that Garduno was driving a 2022 Kia K5 eastbound on Newport Road near Derby Hill Drive when his vehicle was struck by a 2011 BMW 328i that was traveling westbound and crossed over the center median into oncoming traffic.
The collision occurred at about 8:41 p.m., according to a Menifee Police Department news release. The reasons for the BMW crossing the center median are under investigation. At this time, it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in the collision.
An adult female passenger of the Kia sustained serious injuries and remains in critical but stable condition, according to police. A juvenile passenger was also transported to a hospital and remains in stable condition.
The driver and passenger of the BMW provided statements to officers before being released. The adult male passenger of that vehicle remains in stable condition in a local hospital.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has additional information is encouraged to contact Officer Pisciuneri with the Menifee Police Department Traffic Unit at 951-723-1668 or the Traffic Unit at 951-723-1500.
This is the third local traffic fatality in the last week. On Aug. 12, a deceased female from Perris was found on the side of Highway 74 in Homeland. Authorities aren’t sure how long she was there or when the incident occurred. The CHP is looking for a hit-and-run suspect. The same night, 15-year-old Koa Quintanilla was riding an e-motorcycle on Briggs Road when he was struck and killed, also by a hit-and-run driver.
