Thomas Rhynes III dies in hit-and-run crash on East Main Street

Barstow pedestrian was found unresponsive after the early morning wreck

June 01, 2026 | Barstow, CA

Barstow police responded to reports of a vehicle-pedestrian crash at about 1:33 a.m. in the 1100 block of East Main Street.

What happened in the crash?

Thomas Rhynes III, 71, of Barstow, died after a hit-and-run pedestrian crash in the 1100 block of East Main Street.

• Authorities found Thomas Rhynes III unresponsive at the scene.
• Rhynes was transported to Barstow Community Hospital, where he later died.
• Investigators identified the suspect vehicle as a black Chevrolet Tahoe abandoned in Victorville.
• Detectives linked the vehicle to Kevin Lashawn Farmer.

Charges filed against the driver

On Thursday, Farmer was arrested and booked into the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Detention Center. He faces charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit and run resulting in injury or death.

Why do these accidents happen?

Though leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, statistics indicate that more than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on roads in this country. Many suspects flee because they are intoxicated, driving without a license, or concerned about arrest.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted in a timely manner to protect a victim’s family rights.

“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”

Key takeaways:

• Road conditions and visibility must be examined thoroughly.
• An attorney can help ensure hit-and-run drivers are held accountable.
• Families may pursue civil actions for compensation.

Approximately 2,000 people are killed each year in hit-and-run crashes in the United States. Since 2009, hit-and-run deaths have increased by about 7% each year, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

What is a wrongful death claim?

Pending investigation results, the family of Thomas Rhynes III may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim for medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”

Hit-and-Run Crash Statistics

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