Temecula CHP Seeks Suspects, Victims In I-15 Crash

TEMECULA, CA — The ongoing investigation into a multi-vehicle crash Sunday on Interstate 15 in Temecula led the California Highway Patrol to issue a plea Thursday for the public's help in finding more possible victims and suspects.

"It has been determined that there may have been additional parties involved or potential victims of a crime at the collision scene," the Temecula CHP reported. The agency is asking potential victims and witnesses to contact CHP Investigator Tim Fenton at 951-506-2000.

Authorities have publicly announced only one arrest in connection with the five-vehicle wreck reported at 5:15 p.m. Sunday on the northbound side of I-15, just south of Temecula Parkway.

Escondido resident Rolando Neil Dominguez, 49, an American citizen with an extensive criminal history, including felony convictions out of San Diego County, was corralled by U.S. Border Patrol agents on the Temecula Parkway offramp after he fled the fiery wreck on foot.

During his attempted escape, witnesses told USBP agents that Dominguez tried to carjack a motorist, according to the federal agency.

His capture came after Border Patrol agents spotted a man walking along Interstate 15 who matched the hit-and-run suspect description. "When agents stopped him for questioning, the man [was] uncooperative and resisted agents attempt to detain him," the USBP reported.

The agents detained Dominguez and the California Highway Patrol made the arrest.

Dominguez was in custody as of Thursday at Murrieta's Southwest Detention Center in lieu of $75,000 bail. He was being held on suspicion of hit-and-run, and causing great bodily injury while driving under the influence, jail records show. Charges are expected to be filed.

According to the CHP, a 2016 Dodge Dart driven by Dominguez crashed with a 2014 Chevy Impala and the impact caused both vehicles to catch fire.

A 57-year-old woman in the Impala was hospitalized with major injuries. The Impala driver, a 57-year-old man, suffered minor injuries. Both people are Indio residents, according to the CHP.

An update on the woman's condition was not available.

Three other vehicles were involved in the crash — a Nissan Altima, Ford F-150, and a Jeep Cherokee.

During the CHP's crash investigation, the # 1, # 2 and # 3 lanes were blocked, but traffic was able to travel in the construction zone auxiliary lane.

The CHP reminded motorists to never drive impaired: "An impaired driver is an extremely dangerous driver."