DATE/TIME: October 12, 2025, at about 4:59 PM
INCIDENT: Two-Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash
LOCATION: Navajo Road and Ottawa Road, Apple Valley, CA
DRIVER 1: Juan M. Rodriguez Mendoza, 40-year-old male resident of Apple Valley
VEHICLE 1: Blue 2002 Yamaha YFM660
DRIVER 2: 58-year-old male resident of Apple Valley
VEHICLE 2: Silver 2016 Honda CR-V
SUMMARY:
On Sunday, October 12, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., deputies from the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station and rescue personnel from the Apple Valley Fire Department along with American Medical Response responded to a vehicle versus ATV crash in the Town of Apple Valley.
Through investigation, deputies determined a solo-occupant rider of a blue Yamaha YFM660, drove westbound on Ottawa Road, east of Navajo Road. The driver of a silver Honda CR-V, with two passengers, drove southbound on Navajo Road in the number one lane north of Ottawa Road. The rider of the Yamaha, identified as Juan M. Rodriguez Mendoza, continued westbound across Navajo Road from the stop sign and drove into the Honda’s lane of travel. The Honda broadsided the Yamaha which caused Rodriguez Mendoza to be ejected. Rodriguez Mendoza was transported to a local hospital for a higher level of care where he was later pronounced deceased.
The driver of the Honda remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. All occupants of the Honda were also transported to a local hospital for a higher level of care.
Investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Major Accident Investigative Team (M.A.I.T) arrived and are investigating. Deputies processed the scene for evidence and interviewed witnesses. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
Anyone with any information or anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Deputy G. Dominguez at the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or leave the information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy G. Dominguez
Station: Apple Valley M.A.I.T.
Phone No: (760) 240-7400
Case No. 182505215
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
