5 Fatalities in 3 days in San Bernardino County
Posted on June 21, 2017 Written By: iadminlaw
Tragedy struck the residents of San Bernardino County with 5 fatalities across major cities in the county. Spanning from Thursday June 15th to Saturday June 17th, a total of 6 traffic fatalities occurred just days before Father’s Day.
First Fatality
The first fatality involved a collision between a Nissan Altima and a semi-truck, the crash was reported to authorities around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday morning. The crash occurred in Adelanto near the area of Palmdale Road and Jonathan Street. The driver of the Nissan Altima was identified as Muataz Abdelatif, 25-years old of New Jersey. Investigators determined that Abdelatif was driving east on Palmdale Road and for reasons unknown, crossed over the double-yellow line and collided head on with a semi- truck towing a trailer. Abdelatif was trapped inside his vehicle requiring first responders to use the Jaws of Life to free him. Abdelatif was then taken to Victor Valley Global Medical Center where he later died from his injuries. The driver of the semi, a 60-year-old man from Hesperia was transported to Arrowhead Regional Center and was treated for moderate injuries.
Second Fatality
The second fatality occurred just hours after the first fatality. Moises Chequete, 15-years old, of Hesperia, was killed by a drunk driver who fled the scene. The driver was later apprehended and arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Chequete was walking along Santa Fe Avenue Thursday around 11:30 a.m. when a blue 1992 Chevrolet struck Moises from behind and fled the scene, failing to stop or provide assistance to the victim. Emergency first responders arrived and rushed Moises to Desert Valley Hospital, where despite all efforts, Chequete died shortly after arriving. The driver was identified as 20-year old Benjamin Jordan Harrity. A witness followed Harrity and until officers could safely arrest the suspect. He was blocked in by police cruisers in the area of Yucca Street and C Avenue of Hesperia. Harrity was booked for felony hit and run and vehicular manslaughter while under the influence.
Third Fatality
The third fatality was identified as Ryan Dennis Angus, 47-years old, of Hesperia. Angus was riding his bicycle along Ranchero Road, close to Lassen Street, when he was struck by a utility pickup truck Friday evening. According to officials, Angus was hit in the head from behind by the truck’s driver’s side mirror. Angus was air lifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead from head trauma caused by the accident the following day. The driver of the utility pickup truck stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators and officers.
Fourth Fatality
The fourth fatality involved a pedestrian who was run over by several cars on Friday evening, just hours after the third fatal bicyclist accident. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. after a car hit a pedestrian on Hesperia Road and Comanche Road, followed by several other cars. The Pedestrian, only identified as an elderly woman, was taken to Desert Valley Hospital where she later died from her injuries, according to authorities. No other information has been released regarding the victim.
Last Fatality
The last tragic fatality occurred early Saturday morning. Around 5:00 a.m. authorities from the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of a collision involving a white 1999 Ford Taurus and a big rig 18-wheeler. EMT arrived on scene and found an adult male driver of the Ford Taurus had died from trauma caused by the accident. Investigators have determined that the Ford Taurus had collided into the back of the 18-wheeler, instantly killing the male driver. Officers at the scene confirmed that no brake marks were present on the street typically indicative of a car attempting to break. The big rig driver was taken to a local hospital and later discharged. Bear Valley Road was closed from between Reata Road to Jess Ranch Parkway while the investigation was underway. The roads were reopened sometime after 12:30 p.m. The identity of the male driver, believed to be in his mid to late thirties is not being released until next of kin is contacted.
Top Car Accident Lawyer in San Bernardino
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