DATE/TIME: January 26, 2024, 8:26 p.m.
INCIDENT: Fatal Hit-and-Run Traffic Collision and Unit-Involved Collision
LOCATION: SR-62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) & Avalon Avenue, Yucca Valley
SUSPECT(S): Unknown
VICTIM(S): Joshua Alexander Barreras, 17-year-old Yucca Valley Resident.
UPDATE 2: February 6, 2024 – Investigators are releasing the following information and accompanying photo (not actual vehicle) to aid in the identification and location of the suspect.
The vehicle is described as a white 2020-2022 Dodge Ram 4500-5500 pickup truck. The truck will have damage to the driver side headlight and driver side front fender area.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME.
UPDATE: January 29, 2024 – The victim has been identified as 17-year-old Joshua Alexander Barreras.
SUMMARY:
On Friday, January 26, 2024, at about 8:26 p.m., Yucca Valley deputies were patrolling on SR-62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) when they discovered a teenage male unresponsive in the center median, east of Avalon Avenue. Deputies immediately rendered medical aid, and the male was transported to Hi-Desert Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. Evidence at the scene indicated a vehicle had struck the male. The Morongo Basin Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) responded and assumed the investigation. The deceased male has not yet been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. Detectives are seeking the public's assistance with any information that could provide an investigative lead.
During the investigation, a sheriff's patrol vehicle was parked on the westbound side of SR-62 with emergency lights on to block traffic for emergency personnel at the scene. An unrelated vehicle traveling on SR-62 collided with the unoccupied Sheriff's vehicle. Officers from the California Highway Patrol Morongo Basin Station responded to the scene, and at the request of Sheriff's personnel, assumed the investigation involving the Sheriff Department's vehicle.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME.
Refer: Detective S. Crowl
Station: SBCSD Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 232400168
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
