HESPERIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> A 41-year-old man resident of Adelanto is facing accusations of drunk driving and gross vehicular manslaughter after a deadly crash on Highway 395 near Main Street in Hesperia Thursday night. The Hesperia Police Department identified the woman as Lisette Villasenor.(Photo above is credit by Shannon Kochara)
Authorities say Jose Vargas (the suspect) was driving a 2003 tan Chevrolet Tahoe north on Highway 395, north of Poplar Street. Lisette Villasenor 36-year-old female resident of Victorville was driving a 2018 white Toyota Prius south on Highway 395, north of Poplar Street. Villasenor’s two children, 6-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were passengers in her vehicle.
While driving north on Highway 395, Vargas drove his Tahoe into oncoming lanes of traffic in front of Villasenor, causing a head-on collision. Vargas was identified and contacted at the scene. Villasenor and her children were transported to a regional trauma center by Mercy Air 22 helicopter and a ground ambulance both to Loma Linda University Medical Center. Vargas did not sustain any injuries as a result of the crash.
Villasenor sustained major injuries and despite life saving measures, she was airfited by Mercy Air #2 to Loma Linda University Medical Center, were she pronounced deceased at the hospital. Villasenor’s children did substantial moderate to major injuries.
During the investigation, deputies determined Vargas was under the influence of alcohol and over the California legal limit at the time of the crash. Vargas was booked at the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and felony DUI.
The affected portion of Highway 395 between Poplar Street and Main Street were closed for several hours 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, or We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME/www.wetip.com.
A Gofundme account was created on behalf of the California Allstars Cheer to help the family of Lisette during their time of grieving. According to the account description, “The funds will go toward Lisette’s funeral expenses, and medical bills for Ashley’s 6-year-old little brother, Daniel, who is in ICU fighting for his life.” Anyone interested in donating to the family can do so here.
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