A 32-year-old Apple Valley man died early Friday, October 9, 2026, after the Jeep Compass he was driving collided with a Freightliner semi-truck on Hesperia Road north of Winona Street in Victorville. The crash happened at about 2:50 a.m. Authorities say the Jeep was northbound when it entered the opposing lanes before the collision. The driver of the semi-truck was reported uninjured.
According to Victor Valley News, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department identified the driver as Josue Z. Chavez Salas, who sustained major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The outlet reports that investigators believe he was driving under the influence, which has not been proven. The semi-truck driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The Victorville Traffic Division is handling the investigation.
A Jeep Compass and a Double Eagle semi-truck collided on Hesperia Road in Victorville at about 2:50 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026. The male driver of the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene, and the semi-truck driver was reportedly not injured. The crash happened north of Nisqualli Road and south of Ottawa Street. The cause has not been determined.
According to Victor Valley News (VVNG), the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the death, and the Victorville Police Department is investigating the cause. VVNG reported that Hesperia Road was closed between Green Tree Boulevard and Nisqualli Road as of 10 a.m. while the investigation continued. Hoodline also covered the crash and said the Jeep driver’s identity had not been released. Details may change as investigators release more information.
