[05-13-2024] San Bernardino County, CA – Three People Injured, Including Pregnant Woman, After Two Consecutive DUI Crashes in Yucca Valley

Three people were injured, including a pregnant woman, after two consecutive DUI crashes in Yucca Valley on Monday afternoon, May 13, 2024.

According to the authorities, the first collision happened just before 4:00 p.m. at the Twentynine Palms Highway and Sage Avenue intersection.

Authorities said that 34-year-old Wayne M. was driving west on Twentynine Palms Highway in his black 2003 Saturn Vue with a female passenger when he failed to stop at the intersection at Sage Avenue, resulting in a collision with a stopped car.

He then tried to flee the scene by speeding recklessly toward the Aster Avenue and Onaga Trail intersection. Wayne M. struck another car after failing to stop yet again at the intersection. According to reports, the driver of the second vehicle he hit was in her late pregnancy.

The impact of the second crash caused Wayne M.’s vehicle to roll over several times before coming to a rest in a nearby household’s yard.

There is no word yet about the driver or occupants of the first vehicle that was hit. The pregnant woman was reportedly taken to a local hospital, with her current condition currently unknown. Meanwhile, the female passenger inside Wayne M.’s car suffered traumatic injuries and was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment. 

Authorities believe that Wayne M. was driving under the influence of drugs at the time of the consecutive crashes, as they found him in possession of fentanyl. He was released from the hospital after sustaining unknown injuries and was promptly arrested for several charges, including DUI causing injury and unlawful possession of drugs.

Wayne M.’s bail amount is set to $260,000, and he is currently being held at Morongo Basin Station.

The investigation into both vehicular accidents is still ongoing. Anyone with information about either collision is asked to contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station at 760-366-4175.