DATE/TIME: October 23, 2025, 3:39 p.m.
INCIDENT: Suspect Flees from Traffic Collision Scene and Attempts Two Carjackings
LOCATION: Bear Valley Road / Reata Road, Apple Valley
SUSPECT(S): Damian Ponce, 29-year-old male resident of Hesperia
SUMMARY:
On Thursday, October 23, 2025, Sheriff’s Dispatch received reports of a traffic collision involving three vehicles near the intersection of Bear Valley Road and Reata Road. It was reported one of the occupants of a vehicle, later identified as Damian Ponce, fled the scene. Law enforcement personnel from Hesperia Police Station responded to the location to assist with the traffic collision investigation. A California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter also assisted with overhead view of the incident.
CHP and deputies from the Apple Valley Station observed the suspect vehicle as it fled the scene to a parking lot near the intersection of Apple Valley Road and Bear Valley Road. Ponce attempted to enter two occupied vehicles in the area. Deputies with the Apple Valley Station arrived on scene and detained Ponce. Ponce was under the influence of narcotics and alcohol and was transported to High Desert Detention Center where he was booked for attempted carjacking, driving under the influence and hit-and-run.
There were no injuries reported from the traffic collision. Apple Valley Police Station personnel would like to express gratitude to Hesperia Police Department and CHP for their valuable support and collaboration throughout the investigation.
Anyone with any information about this investigation is asked to contact the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or leave the information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Taylor Reynolds
Station: Apple Valley
Phone No: (760) 240-7428
Case No. 182505413
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino Sheriff-Coroner Department
