San Bernardino, CA – A hit-and-run driver was arrested following a wrong-way crash that left one person dead in San Bernardino County.
The Crash and Investigation
The suspect, Teri Leanne Jones, 43, of Adelanto, was arrested after the crash on August 3. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), officers responded to a crash on El Mirage Road, just west of El Mirage Airport Road in Adelanto, around 8:30 a.m. that morning.
Investigators revealed that Jones was driving the wrong way on the dirt shoulder when she made an unsafe turn directly in front of an oncoming Honda Civic. The driver of the Honda Civic tried to swerve to avoid the crash, but the maneuver caused his vehicle to flip over and leave the roadway.
Fleeing the Scene and Fatality
After the collision, Jones, who was driving a Subaru Forester, fled the scene when she noticed the significant injuries to the victim. The driver of the Honda Civic was airlifted to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. As per KTLA, his identity has not been released.
Arrest and Charges
After further investigation, CHP officers located the Subaru Forester and identified Jones as the suspect. She was arrested on August 6 and charged with felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter. CHP Victorville Area Commander Captain Todd Kovaletz emphasized the seriousness of such incidents:
“The CHP takes hit-and-run crashes and unsafe driving seriously and will diligently work to investigate these incidents.”
Ongoing Investigation
No further details have been released, as the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities continue to seek information related to the incident and encourage anyone with relevant details to come forward.
Public Safety Concerns and Hit-and-Run Incidents
This tragic incident underscores the growing concerns around hit-and-run accidents in California. Law enforcement has emphasized the importance of accountability for drivers involved in accidents, urging witnesses and the public to report any suspicious behavior.
The CHP continues to ramp up efforts to prevent similar accidents and ensure that criminals fleeing the scene face justice.
What are your thoughts on this tragic crash? Do you think stricter penalties for hit-and-run drivers could prevent accidents like this? Share your opinion in the comments below.
