DATE/TIME: April 16, 2023 / 12:45 p.m.
INCIDENT: Fatal Traffic Crash
LOCATION: Apple Valley Road / Tuscola Road
INVOLVED PARTY (1): Henry Wheeler, 73-years-old, Resident of Apple Valley (Deceased)
INVOLVED VEHICLE (1): 2017 Lincoln Navigator
INVOLVED PARTY (2): Rebecca Torres, 64-years-old, Resident of Oak Hills
INVOLVED VEHICLE (2): 2013 Honda Civic
SUMMARY: On Sunday, April 16, 2023, at approximately 12:45PM, deputies from the Apple Valley Station, rescue personnel from the Apple Valley Fire Protection District and American Medical Response responded to a traffic crash involving a Lincoln Navigator and a Honda Civic, at the intersection of Apple Valley Road and Tuscola Road.
Upon arrival, deputies determined a Lincoln Navigtor, driven by Henry Wheeler, was traveling north on Apple Valley Road approaching the intersection with Tuscola Road. The Honda Civic, driven by Rebecca Torres, was also traveling north in the northbound lane on Apple Valley Road, approaching the intersection with Tuscola Road. The Lincoln Navigator drove north in the two way left turn lane and side swiped the Honda Civic in the northbound lane of Apple Valley Road. The Lincoln Navigator contiuned northbound on the east shoulder of Apple Valley Road, crashing into the traffic signal on the southeast corner of Tuscola Road and Apple Valley Road. Henry Wheeler was pronounced deceased at the scene by Apple Valley Fire personnel.
An investigator from the Apple Valley Station Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) arrived and conducted scene investigation. The intersection of Apple Valley Road and Tuscola Road was closed for approximately four and a half hours while investigators processed the scene for evidence and interviewed witnesses. It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is urged to contact Deputy C. Umphlett at the Apple Valley Station at 760-240-7400. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at 800-78-CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer:Deputy C. Umphlett
Station:Apple Valley Station, Traffic Division
Phone No.760-240-7400
Case No.182301891
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
