Redlands man arrested in connection with 2022 fentanyl death

REDLANDS, Calif. — A 24-year-old Redlands man was arrested Tuesday in connection with the 2022 fentanyl-related death of an 18-year-old, authorities said.

David De La Cruz was taken into custody at a business in Beaumont after detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest on Jan. 31, according to the Redlands Police Department. He is being held at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on $1 million bail.

The case stems from the Jan. 16, 2022, overdose death of David Arreguin, who was found unresponsive inside a residence in the 900 block of Ohio Street. Redlands police and paramedics responded to the scene, where Arreguin was pronounced dead.

Investigators with the Redlands Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team determined Arreguin’s death was drug-induced based on evidence found at the scene. They later identified De La Cruz as the suspected supplier of the fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than​ morphine. Illicit fentanyl is sold alone or mixed with other drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, counterfeit pills, and cocaine, to increase potency and reduce costs.

In October 2022, detectives interviewed De La Cruz and arrested him on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance for sale. The case was forwarded to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Following further investigation, prosecutors filed a murder charge against De La Cruz.

“We know that overdoses from fentanyl and other drugs cause destruction in our community and immeasurable pain and heartache to the friends and family of those whose lives are lost,” Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber said in a statement. “I’m proud of our investigators for the work they’ve done and grateful for the partnership we have with the District Attorney … to provide justice and some measure of closure to Mr. Arreguin’s loved ones.”

San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson said his office determined there was sufficient evidence to support a murder charge.

“Our Office remains committed to thoroughly reviewing fentanyl overdose deaths,” Anderson said. “We thank Redlands Police for their investigative efforts and apprehension of the defendant.”

Between 2020 - 2023, San Bernardino County saw a 67% increase in fentanyl overdose deaths, according to the county health department. Following extensive public health efforts to stop the crisis, fentanyl over doses deaths declined sharply in 2024.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Redlands police at (909) 798-7681 ext. 1.