REDLANDS, California — A tragic hit-and-run collision on Highway 38 has left a 73-year-old local motorcyclist dead and sparked an urgent police manhunt for the driver who fled the scene. The fatal incident occurred on Tuesday evening, June 9, 2026, drawing a rapid response from emergency teams and leaving a local community in mourning.

According to the Redlands Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene shortly after 5:30 p.m. following reports of a severe crash on Highway 38, specifically between Amethyst and Garnet streets.

An unknown vehicle collided with a motorcycle ridden by the 73-year-old Redlands resident. The force of the initial impact was severe enough to eject the rider completely from his motorcycle. Immediately following the collision, leaking fuel from the wrecked motorcycle ignited, causing the bike to erupt into a fireball and inflicting severe burns on the victim.

In the chaotic moments immediately following the crash, nearby witnesses and bystanders rushed toward the flames to assist the downed rider.

The citizens successfully managed to extinguish the fire burning the victim and immediately initiated CPR on the unresponsive man. Cal Fire paramedics arrived shortly thereafter to take over emergency medical treatment. The victim was rushed under emergency conditions to a nearby hospital; however, despite the efforts of bystanders and medical professionals, he was tragically pronounced dead.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop, render aid, or notify authorities, opting instead to flee the scene. Investigators have determined that the suspect vehicle continued traveling eastbound on Highway 38 immediately after causing the fatal crash.

The Redlands Police Department has issued an urgent watch for a gold or tan four-door sedan suspected in the fatal crash. The vehicle can be identified by major impact damage concentrated heavily on its driver's side.

Redlands Police traffic investigators are actively seeking any information regarding the current location of the vehicle or the identity of its occupants.

The identity of the deceased 73-year-old rider is currently being withheld pending formal notification of his extended family by the coroner's office.

The hit-and-run investigation remains highly active and ongoing. Redlands Police are strongly urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash, spotted the damaged sedan, or captured relevant dash cam footage along Highway 38 on Tuesday evening to contact Redlands Police Dispatch immediately.