MORENO VALLEY: DUI suspected in major-injury crash that trapped both drivers

MORENO VALLEY — Two drivers were hospitalized after a two vehicle wreck early Monday morning, Feb 19 and driving under the influence is suspected as a possible contributing factor in the major-injury wreck, according to officials.

City of Moreno Valley Police and Fire Departments along with other emergency first responders were dispatched to the intersection at the intersection of Heacock Street and Cactus Avenue in Moreno Valley about 3:12 a.m., after receiving reports of a major injury traffic collision, Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Tony Hoxmeier explained after the crash.

Officials arrived within minutes and found the mangled wrecks of two vehicles and firefighters determined both drivers were trapped and would require extrication. While firefighters set up the “Jaws of Life” and prepared to cut the two drivers from their vehicles deputies called for the temporary closure of the entire intersection. All traffic was diverted onto alternate streets for several hours, while firefighters extricated the drivers and deputies investigated the cause of the crash.

One of the drivers suffered major traumatic injuries and later underwent surgery due to the extent of their injuries. The other driver had complaints of pain and was also taken to an area hospital for further evaluation.

Based on the extent of the victim’s injuries and because driving under the influence was a possible contributing factor in the crash, members of Moreno Valley PD’s Traffic Reconstruction Team responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The intersection remain closed until shortly after 7:30 a.m., when deputies concluded their initial traffic collision investigation.

Anyone with information about this investigation or who witnessed the collision is encouraged to contact More Valley PD’s Traffic Reconstruction Team at (951) 486-6700. Callers can refer to incident file number MV180500033 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

 

Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, who recently moved from Riverside County to Shasta County, runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for Riverside County based newspapers Valley News, The Valley Chronicle and Anza Valley Outlook as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center and Lake Elsinore Station, along with other locations.