Officer Reuben Fred Rios, Sr., California Highway Patrol, California

Officer Reuben Fred Rios, Sr.

California Highway Patrol, California

End of Watch Saturday, October 26, 1996

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Reuben Fred Rios, Sr.

Officer Rueben Rios was struck and killed by a vehicle while he was conducting traffic control at the Glen Helen Parkway in San Bernardino.

He was hit by a drunk driver who was leaving the concert. Officer Rios was thrown onto the hood and windshield and then ejected back onto the roadway.

The 32-year-old driver was charged with drunk driving and second-degree degree murder. He had two prior drunk driving convictions, one involving an accident. He was found guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter.

Officer Rios was a United States Army veteran and had served with the California Highway Patrol for 22 years. He was survived by his wife, two children, and three grandchildren. The day Officer Rios was killed, his son took the oral exam to enter the California Highway Patrol.

Bio

Age 53
Tour 22 years
Badge 8592
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
Offender Guilty of vehicular manslaughter

directing traffic, Impaired Driver

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Most Recent Reflection

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Ofcr Rios,

I keep a reminder in my calendar of your EOW. I responded to the incident with EMS and helped transport you to the air ambulance. I think of you every year and pray for your family. Thank you for your sacrifice and service. OTD

Jeff Dalrymple
EMS

October 26, 2025