Full Notification

DATE/TIME: January 21, 2023 at 11:40 p.m.

INCIDENT: PC 191.5 (a)(1) - Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated

LOCATION: Highway 39, North of Poplar Street

SUSPECT(S): Eddie Escobedo, 43-years-old, Resident of Hesperia
                        Involved Vehicle: 2020 Ford Explorer

VICTIM(S): Andrew Ruddy, 36-years-old, Resident of Orange
                   Nicole Ruddy, 33-years-old, Resident of Orange (deceased)
                   Unborn Child
                   Involved Vehicle: 2018 Toyota Corolla


SUMMARY: On Saturday, January 21, 2023, at approximately 11:40 p.m., deputies from the Hesperia Police Station and rescue personnel from the San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to a traffic crash on Highway 395, north of Poplar Street, in the city of Hesperia.

Eddie Escobedo, was driving a black Ford Explorer, north on Highway 395, north of Poplar Street. Andrew Ruddy, was driving a 2018 Toyota Corolla south on Highway 395, north of Poplar Street. Ruddy’s wife, Nicole Ruddy, was 35 weeks pregnant and sitting in the front passenger seat of the Corolla.

While driving north on Highway 395, Escobedo drove the Explorer into oncoming lanes of traffic in front of the Corolla, causing a head on collision. Escobedo was identified and contacted in the driver seat of the Explorer. Escobedo, Andrew and Nicole were transported to regional trauma centers by the fire department. Escobedo sustained major injuries as a result of the crash and Andrew also sustained major injuries.  Nicole and her unborn child, despite life saving measure, were later pronounced deceased.

During the investigation, deputies determined Escobedo was under the influence of alcohol and over the California legal limit at the time of the crash. Escobedo was treated for his injuries and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for California Penal Code section 191.5(a) - Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated.  He remains in custody on $100,000 bail.  

The affected portion of Highway 395 between Poplar Street and Main Street were closed while deputies from the Hesperia Station processed the scene.

Anyone with information, or anyone who may have witnessed the collision, is asked to contact the Hesperia Police Station at 760-947-1500.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com.



Refer: Deputy T. Roberts, Deputy D. Caudle and Deputy F. Zavala

Station: Hesperia

Phone No. (760) 947-1500

Case No. 192300512

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department