Hit and run case goes to trial; suspect admits "something hit his vehicle"

Troy Reynolds, the suspect in a fatal hit-and-run collision, returned to Court yesterday morning for a Preliminary Hearing before Judge James Taylor. Reynolds is accused of striking sixteen-year-old Joshua Barreras with a vehicle and fleeing the scene on the evening of January 26, 2024. Attorney Jason Guetzlow represented the prosecution, and Attorney James Rogan represented the defense. Guetzlow called three witnesses, all of whom are law enforcement with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Detectives testified that Reynolds was present at the scene on January 26, but presented himself as a bystander who did not witness the collision before leaving. Reynolds was identified through later review of bodycam footage, having been recognized by a deputy who had previously worked with his company, Hill’s Towing. Broken vehicle parts at the scene of the collision were found to be a match with one vehicle in the business’s fleet. Detectives said that, following their investigation, Reynolds admitted to law enforcement that he was the driver in the January 26 collision, saying he had felt something hit his vehicle and pulled over to assess the damage when he saw Barreras. Further, detectives testified that he provided the location where the vehicle, specifically its left quarter panel, was repaired in Riverside, having been transported there on January 27. Detectives said that Reynolds cited concerns about his business, employees, and family as causes for his initial denial of involvement. During cross-examination, law enforcement testified that their assessment found that the driver was not at fault for the collision. However, Judge Taylor found probable cause established for the hit-and-run case, due to Reynolds’ initial denial of involvement, failure to provide information to law enforcement, and leaving the scene. Reynolds is scheduled for an Arraignment on Information before Judge Taylor on November 6, during which revised charges are possible. Troy Reynolds is charged with Felony Hit-and-Run Resulting in Permanent Injury or Death; he is currently out on $500,000 bail.