Local named as suspect in fatal crash

Authorities believe SCV woman carjacked truck, crashed in freeway

A Santa Clarita Valley woman named as the suspect in Monday’s deadly wrong-way driving crash that claimed the life of a man, and injured two others, remains in hospital and has not been arrested.

Nicole Thibault, 28, of Santa Clarita, who was initially reported in critical condition with “major injuries” following a head-on crash, was listed Friday in stable condition, a family member told The Signal.

Thibault was named Tuesday by California Highway Patrol Officer Rodrigo Jimenez as the woman believed to have carjacked a truck in Riverside on Monday afternoon. The truck later crashed on the 210 freeway in Claremont.

A CHP sergeant told The Signal Friday: “We are still investigating the incident. There’s been no arrest at this time.”

CHP investigators are still waiting for the proper time to interview Thibault about the crash.

“The suspect suffered major injuries,” Jimenez told The Signal on Tuesday morning, noting the woman remained hospitalized.

The 69-year-old man killed in the crash has been identified by officials with the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner as Daniel Castillo of Fontana.

Two other drivers hurt in the wrong way crash include a 58-year-old Fontana woman who suffered moderate injuries, and a 58-year-old Upland man.

The stolen truck was seen traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of the 210 freeway when it veered into oncoming traffic, colliding with at least four other vehicles.