DATE/TIME: Thursday, November 16, 2023 / 3:23 pm
INCIDENT: Murder and Felony Driving Under the Influence
LOCATION: La Mesa Road and Wagon Wheel Drive, Victorville, CA
SUSPECT(S): Shawn Anthony Ballard, 27-year-old male resident of Victorville
VICTIM(S): Nakita Shaunee Breland, 36-year-old female resident of Victorville
SUMMARY:
On Monday, August 14, 2023, at about 2:34 am, deputies from the Victorville Sheriff's Station responded to the area of La Mesa Road and Wagon Wheel Drive in reference to a two vehicle traffic collision.
Upon arrival, deputies located a black 1999 Toyota Sienna and a white 2009 Toyota Yaris with major front-end damage as a result of the collision. Shawn Ballard was located trapped in the driver seat of the Toyota Sienna. Nakita Breland was located deceased in the driver seat of the Toyota Yaris. Investigators from the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T) responded to the scene and conducted an investigation of the crash.
Through investigation, it was determined Breland drove her Toyota Yaris eastbound in the #1 lane of La Mesa Road. Ballard drove his Toyota Sienna westbound in the #1 lane of La Mesa Road. Ballard crossed over the center left turn lane and into the #1 eastbound lane of La Mesa Road where Breland was traveling, resulting in the collision.
Ballard was determined to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the collision. A records check revealed Ballard has a previous DUI conviction.
A report was filed with the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office and an arrest warrant was issued for Ballard.
On Thursday, November 16, 2023, at about 3:24 pm, Ballard was arrested at his home in Victorville on a charge of murder and felony driving under the influence causing great bodily injury or death, and other charges related to the incident. Ballard was booked in at the High Desert Detention Center with a $1,000,000 bail.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Victorville Sheriff's Station at 909-241-2911. 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 S. LaFond or Sergeant N. Clark
Station: Victorville City Sheriff's Station
Phone No. 760-241-2911
Case No. 172308755
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
