Family members are heartbroken after a Riverside man was tragically killed in a high-speed crash allegedly caused by a suspected DUI driver on April 16.
At around 6:15 p.m., Riverside police responded to a severe multi-vehicle accident on Market Street, located between 5th Street and Mission Inn Avenue, in the heart of downtown Riverside.
The driver of the Dodge Challenger, identified as 19-year-old Isaac Isaiah Villalba from Redlands, crashed into four cars, creating a chaotic scene. One of the vehicles he rear-ended was a Honda Civic, driven by 37-year-old Christian Barragan of Riverside. The impact was so forceful that Barragan’s car was destroyed, and he was declared dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Villalba, along with five other individuals, was transported to the hospital with injuries that varied from minor to moderate.
According to authorities, Villalba attempted to flee the wreckage on foot but was quickly apprehended by police. Video footage captured by witnesses showed officers struggling to subdue him, with Villalba resisting arrest and attempting to escape before being tased.
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Christian Barragan’s family is still in shock. He had been returning home from work after covering a shift for a colleague. Following the death of their father in 2022, Christian had taken on the responsibility of managing the family-owned restaurant, Mr. Taco, on Main Street.
“He always had a big smile on his face,” said Arturo Barragan, Christian’s older brother. “He could brighten up any room.”
Fernando Barragan, another brother, described Christian as a hard worker who was also a devoted Dodgers fan, never missing a game.
Now, his grieving siblings are left to process the loss of their youngest brother while hoping the accused driver faces justice.
Villalba has been arrested on charges of murder, felony hit-and-run causing death or injury, DUI-related charges, and resisting arrest with violence. He was charged with second-degree murder and faces a potential 15 years to life in prison if convicted.
On Friday, Christian’s family attended a court hearing where they saw Villalba for the first time since the crash.
“He needs to understand the pain he’s caused,” said Christian’s sister, Patty Mercado. “We’re here to seek justice for my brother.”
Villalba’s arraignment is scheduled for May 2, and he is being held on a $1 million bail.
Investigations into the events surrounding the crash are ongoing. Anyone with additional information or video footage of the incident is urged to contact Detective Matthew Parrish at 951-353-8177 or via email at MWParrish@RiversideCA.gov.
Anonymous tips can also be sent through the “Atlas 1” mobile app, available for download on Apple and Android devices.
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