DATE: September 18, 2026, 3:05 p.m.
INCIDENT: Man Jumps into Hesperia Aqueduct After Fleeing the Scene of a Traffic Collision
LOCATION: Sultana Street / Topaz Avenue, Hesperia
SUSPECT(S): Angel Octavio Ortiz Ayala, 29-year-old, Resident of Cypress
SUMMARY: On Friday, September 18, 2026, deputies from the Hesperia Station responded to the area of Sultana Street and Topaz Avenue for a traffic collision. Angel Octavio Ortiz Ayala, the driver of one of the vehicles involved, fled the scene prior to deputies' arrival. Deputies later located Ortiz-Ayala walking in a nearby desert area. When deputies attempted to contact him, he ran and jumped into the aqueduct.
Ortiz-Ayala was eventually pulled from the aqueduct by deputies using a rescue rope. Further investigation determined the vehicle Ortiz-Ayala drove was reported stolen, and he was also found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol.
Ortiz-Ayala was arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center for CVC 23153(a)-DUI Causing Injuries, CVC 23153(b)-DUI causing injuries over a .08% BAC, and CVC 10851(a)-Vehicle Theft.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Hesperia Sheriff’s Station at 760-947-1500. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
Refer: Deputy Deberg
Station: Hesperia Station
Phone No. 760-947-1500
Case No. 192606027
SHANNON DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
