Riverside, CA (January 14, 2026) – Raulder Sotelo, 32, was killed on January 14, 2026, when a possible drunk driver driving the wrong way on I-215 slammed into his Toyota Camry.
Incident Details: According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a crash was reported around 12:25 a.m. on Wednesday on the southbound side of I-215, just north of Central Avenue in Riverside.
Units were alerted that a Mitsubishi Galant had entered the freeway’s southbound lanes while heading northbound at Cactus Avenue in Moreno Valley. While driving the wrong way, the Mitsubishi driver slammed head-on into a Toyota Camry, driven by Sotelo. The Mitsubishi narrowly missed hitting other vehicles.
Riverside Fire Department paramedics pronounced Sotelo dead at the scene.
The Mitsubishi driver was identified as a 20-year-old Moreno Valley resident. He suffered major injuries and was taken to a regional trauma center.
The CHP stated that alcohol or drugs appear to be a factor in the crash.
Investigation: The CHP is continuing to investigate the wrong-way crash on I-215 near Central Avenue that killed Raulder Sotelo. Investigators will work to confirm how the Mitsubishi entered the southbound lanes while traveling northbound, including the exact entry point and the driver’s actions leading up to the collision.
CHP is also expected to review physical evidence from the scene, vehicle damage, and witness statements to reconstruct the crash and determine whether impairment, speed, or other unsafe driving behavior contributed. Toxicology results and officer observations will likely play a key role in confirming whether drugs or alcohol were factors.
Legal Considerations: Wrong-way collisions involving suspected impairment often result in serious criminal and civil consequences. If the investigation confirms the Mitsubishi driver was under the influence and caused the head-on crash, the driver may face significant criminal charges, along with civil liability for the death and damages that resulted.
For Sotelo’s family, a wrongful death claim may help surviving loved ones pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and the profound loss of companionship and guidance.
My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Raulder Sotelo as they mourn this tragic and preventable loss.
Source: MyNewsLA