On July 4th, 2015 at 7:30 PM the Azusa Police Department received several telephone calls regarding a single vehicle that had driven off the roadway on Hwy 39, approximately 1/2 mile north of the U.S. Forestry Information Booth. When Officers arrived on scene, they located a vehicle down a steep ravine, which had come to rest on its roof. Several Azusa Police Officers traversed the steep hillside and upon arriving at the vehicle they discovered 5 victims all outside of the vehicle. The were later identified as:

Driver: Arcadio V. Caliz, 31 years old, resident of Los Angeles.

Surviving Passengers: Marbella Martinez, 32 years old, resident of Los Angeles and a 13 year old female also a Los Angeles resident.

Deceased Passengers: (Previously Identified by L.A. County Coroner's Office) Christopher Caliz Martinez, 8 years old and Andrea Caliz Martinez, 12 years old. 

Emergency personnel from Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Coroner’s office as well as the Azusa Police Department participated in the rescue and investigation.  The injured have been transported to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries. 

A preliminary investigation conducted at the accident scene revealed evidence that the vehicle being driven by Arcadio Caliz may have been speeding just prior to the collision. Witness statements and a skidmark in the roadway will help the investigators determine if the vehicle's speed was indeed a factor.

An odor of alcohol was detected on Arcadio Caliz indicating that alcohol may have been a factor in the collision. Arcadio Caliz was cooperative with officers and consented to providing a blood sample. A toxicology test to confirm whether drugs or alcohol were a factor is pending. Arcadio Caliz is currently an unlicensed driver. No arrest was made.

The relationship between the involved parties is Mother/Father and their three children.

This collision is still in the preliminary stages of investigation.

We are requesting anyone with information related to this accident contact the Azusa Police Department at 626-812-3200.

Lt. P. Dennis  / Sgt. R. Schmidt

Azusa Police Department

Traffic Division

(626)812-3210

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.         

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.