The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, California, often reports car accidents in the county through a news briefing. On Tuesday, March 31st, the sheriff’s office reported a fatal collision involving one of its deputies.
Garrett Pontier, a 22-year-old deputy, passed away after his 2003 Honda rear-ended another vehicle, in front of him. The Apple Valley resident was heading north on Interstate 15 at about 1:30 a.m. when the collision with a truck-tractor occurred.
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The California Highway Patrol said that both vehicles were heading in the same direction. Pontier, for elusive reasons, drifted from the second lane into the third lane, hence the collision.
The young man, who was just about to start his policing career died at the scene. A passenger beside him, identified as a 21-year-old male of Rancho Cucamonga had severe injuries.
The passenger was flown to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, but there’s no information on his condition at the time of this report. There is also no information on whether the driver of the truck-tractor was injured.
Pontier was described by deputy Kenneth Lutz, his captain at the High Desert Detention Center, as a young and vibrant officer. The deceased was stationed at the center, and was off-duty at the time of the crash.
Lutz added that Pontier was a shining light that drew people to him. He said that the deceased was highly motivated, and proud to serve the public.
The CHP is handling the investigation into the crash, and has asked anyone who witnessed the accident to call the Victorville office. Residents of the city have also been advised to report car accidents.
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