DUI Driver Arrested After Crash That Killed a Mother & Injured Her Children

For one Victorville family, Mother’s Day turned what should have been a weekend of celebration into one forever marred by tragedy.

Fox 11 reports that a 36-year-old mother was killed, and her 12-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son were injured in a crash in Hesperia that involved an alleged drunk driver.

According to a statement released by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, the crash happened just after 6:30 p.m. when the victim was driving her 2018 Toyota Prius southbound on Highway 395, just north of Poplar Street. Her two children were with her in the car when her vehicle collided with a northbound Chevrolet Tahoe SUV.

The driver of the Tahoe has been identified as 41-year-old Jose Vargas of Adelento. Investigators said Vargas drove his SUV into oncoming traffic lanes before colliding with the victim’s car. 

Law enforcement and paramedics responded to the scene of the crash. The young mother and her two children were rushed to a regional trauma center by two medical helicopters and a ground ambulance. 

Despite all life-saving attempts made by first responders and doctors, the woman was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. 

The two children suffered moderate to major injuries in the crash. Their current condition was not available at the time of the report. 

Authorities say that Vargas was uninjured in the incident.

Sheriff’s deputies determined that Vargas was under the influence of alcohol and over the legal limit of .08 percent at the time of the crash. He was arrested on the charge of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and felony DUI.

The crash is currently under investigation. Anyone with information about the fatal crash can contact the Hesperia Police Station at (760) 947-1500. Those wishing to remain anonymous may do so by calling We-Tip at 1-(800) 78-CRIME or online at wetip.com.

On behalf of our firm’s attorneys and staff, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family at this difficult time. 

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