Man Arrested Following Fiery, Fatal Crash

A fiery crash Thursday that killed a Perris man has led to the arrest of a suspect who is accused of being under the influence and causing the wreck.

Andre Elgin Williams, 41, of Perris is accused of being under the influence when he drove a 2004 Dodge Ram truck head-on into a truck driven by another Perris resident who died at the scene.

Additionally, Williams’ young son was in the Ram when the crash occurred and the boy sustained injuries, according to a report from California Highway Patrol spokesman Travis Monks.

At around 1:17 p.m. Thursday, Williams was driving northbound on Old Elsinore Road, north of Michael Road, in Perris at approximately 50 mph when he veered into oncoming traffic, Monks reported.

The Dodge collided head-on into a 1997 GMC truck driven by 62-year-old Jose Hernandez of Perris. Hernandez’s speed was estimated at approximately 40 mph, according to Monks.

Both vehicles caught fire, according to a report from Cal/Fire Riverside County Fire Department spokeswoman Jody Hagemann. Fire emergency personnel pulled Hernandez from the truck, but he succumbed to his injuries on scene. 

Williams sustained moderate injuries and his son, who was secured in a child passenger restraint seat behind the driver’s seat, sustained minor injuries, according to Monks. 

Both Williams and his son were transported to Riverside County Regional Medical Center. 

Williams and Hernandez were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash, according to Monks.

Williams was arrested and booked at Robert Presley Detention Center on suspicion of murder and driving under the influence while causing great bodily injury or death, Monks reported.

The type of substance Williams was allegedly under has not been released.

The crash remains under investigation.