Drunk Driver Crashes Head-On Saturday Night On Highway 395, Killing A Woman & Her Unborn Child

HESPERIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >>Woman and her unborn child were killed and one person was arrested after a DUI crash on Highway 395 in Hesperia late Saturday night, authorities said.

California Highway Patrol Hesperia Police Department, and San Bernardino Fire Department received calls of a collision on Highway 395 after Poplar Street in the city of Hesperia. The crash happened at about 11:40pm Saturday on January 21, 2023.

The vehicles involved in the crash were the DUI suspect Eddie Escobedo, that was driving a black Ford Explorer in the north direction. The other vehicle was a Toyota Corolla driving by Andrew Ruddy. He was driving south direction with his wife, Nicole Ruddy, was 35 weeks pregnant and sitting in the front passenger seat.

While driving north on Hwy 395, Escobedo drove his Explorer into oncoming lanes of traffic in front of the Corolla, causing a head on collision. Escobedo was identified and contacted in the driver seat of the Explorer. Escobedo, Andrew and Nicole were transported to regional trauma centers by the fire department. 43-years-old resident of Hesperia, Escobedo sustained major injuries as a result of the crash and 36-years-old resident of Orange, Andrew also sustained major injuries. 33-years-old resident of Orange, Nicole and her unborn child, despite life saving measure, were later pronounced deceased.

During the investigation, deputies determined Escobedo was under the influence of alcohol and over the California legal limit at the time of the crash. Escobedo was treated for his injuries and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for California Penal Code section 191.5(a) – Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated. He remains in custody on $100,000 bail.  

The affected portion of Highway 395 between Poplar Street and Main Street were closed while deputies from the Hesperia Station processed the scene.

Anyone with information, or anyone who may have witnessed the collision, is asked to contact the Hesperia Police Station at 760-947-1500.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com.

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