[12-31-2025] San Bernardino County, CA – Father Arrested After Fleeing Hit-and-Run Crash in Yucca Valley

A 9-year-old girl reported her father to authorities after he fled the scene of a suspected DUI-related hit-and-run collision in Yucca Valley, San Bernardino County, on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a report of a hit-and-run crash at the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Apache Trail around 8:00 p.m. 

Preliminary information from the California Highway Patrol indicated the crash involved a Porsche and a Dodge Charger. Deputies said the driver of the Porsche fled the scene without stopping to provide aid or identification. Witnesses reported hearing a young girl screaming from the car that had fled.

The Sheriff’s Department received an emergency call from the 9-year-old girl, who was described as “terrified” and reported that her father had been drinking and was involved in the crash. Authorities said the girl had sustained injuries and feared for her life. 

Deputies, along with a witness who followed the fleeing vehicle, located the suspect at his home on Bannock Trail in Yucca Valley. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Robert M., was taken into custody.

Robert was arrested on suspicion of DUI, causing bodily injury, child abuse, and driving the wrong way on the highway. He was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail and has since been released on bail.

The investigation is ongoing.

Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?

Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:

• Check yourself for any injuries.
• Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
• Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
• Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
• Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?

Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:

• Check yourself for any injuries.
• Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
• Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
• Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
• Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.

What A Lawyer Can Do For You

Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.