DATE/TIME: Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2:50 a.m.
INCIDENT: Fatal Traffic Collision
LOCATION: Hesperia Road and Winona Street, Victorville
DECEDENT: Josue Z Chavez Salas, 32-year-old male, Resident of Apple Valley
SUMMARY: On Friday, October 9, 2026, at approximately 2:50 a.m., deputies from the Victorville Station responded to a traffic collision involving a Jeep Compass and a Freightliner semi-truck on Hesperia Road, near Winona Street in Victorville.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the Jeep Compass, a 32-year-old male, traveled northbound on Hesperia Road when he entered opposing traffic lanes and collided with the Freightliner semi-truck. The driver of the Jeep sustained major injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Freightliner was not injured, remained at the scene, and cooperated with the investigation.
The Victorville Traffic Division assumed the investigation. Chavez Salas is believed to have been driving under the influence, which was a contributing factor in the collision.
Hesperia Road between Winona Street and Ottawa was closed for several hours.
Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact Victorville Station at (760) 241-2911 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. 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 A. Puga and Deputy C. Arizala
Station: Victorville
Phone No. (760) 241-2911
Case No. DR# 172613379
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
