Deputies arrest a Victorville man for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
DATE/TIME: April 14, 2018 at 11:19PM
INCIDENT: Fatal Traffic Collision
LOCATION: US Highway 395 / Seneca Road
SUSPECT(S): Fernando Pantoja Jr., 26-year old Victorville Resident
VICTIM(S): Adult Female-Deceased
3-year old Juvenile
SUMMARY:
On Saturday, April 14, 2018 at approximately 11:19 p.m., deputies from the Victorville Police Department along with rescue personnel from the San Bernardino County Fire Department and American Medical Response, responded to a two-vehicle traffic collision at the intersection of US Highway 395 and Seneca Road, in the city of Victorville.
Upon arrival, deputies determined that a silver Honda passenger vehicle was driving east on Seneca Road and a blue Nissan passenger vehicle was driving north on US Highway 395. The driver of the Honda failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection and broadsided the Nissan. Both vehicles came to rest in the dirt field east of the intersection.
The driver of the Honda required extrication from the vehicle and sustained major injuries as a result of the collision. The driver of the Honda was flown to a nearby hospital for treatment. A 3 year old child was found to be a passenger in the Honda at the time of the collision and was uninjured. The driver of the Nissan required extrication from the vehicle and was pronounced deceased on scene.
The driver of the Honda, 26-year old Fernando Pantoja Jr., of Victorville, was arrested and booked at West Valley Detention Center for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and cruelty to a child.
US Highway 395, north of Crossroads Way and south of Mojave drive, was closed in both directions for several hours. Seneca Road, east of Jonathan and west of US Highway 395, was closed in both directions for several hours. Both sections of roadway remained closed while investigators processed the scene for evidence and interviewed witnesses.
Anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Deputy A. Hylin, J. Dean, or A. Ramos at the Victorville Police Department, (760) 241-2911. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputies A. Hylin / J. Dean / A. Ramos
Station: Victorville Police Department
Phone No: (760) 241-2911
Case No. 171804084
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Victorville Police Department
14200 Amargosa Rd
Victorville, CA 92392
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700