DUI suspect tries to carjack 2 vehicles after Southern California crash: SBSD

A suspected DUI driver tried to carjack two vehicles in an attempt to flee a crash scene in San Bernardino County on Thursday, authorities said.

Deputies responded to reports of a three-vehicle crash near Bear Valley Road and Reata Road in Apple Valley shortly after 3:30 p.m.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter also arrived at the scene to assist deputies, who learned that one of the people involved in the crash had fled the scene.

“CHP and deputies from the Apple Valley Station observed the suspect vehicle as it fled the scene to a parking lot near the intersection of Apple Valley Road and Bear Valley Road,” the sheriff’s department said.

The suspect, identified as Damian Ponce, 29, then tried to carjack two occupied vehicles in the area, according to the sheriff’s department.

He was eventually detained by deputies at the scene. “Ponce was under the influence of narcotics and alcohol and was transported to High Desert Detention Center where he was booked for attempted carjacking, driving under the influence and hit-and-run,” the sheriff’s department said.

No injuries were reported in the crash.