March 9, 2026 7:12 AM

Head-On Collision on Mariposa Rd leaves 3 Dead, 1 Injured Tuesday Afternoon, Driver Charged with Manslaughter, DUI

HESPERIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Three people were killed and one was injured in a head-on crash on Mariposa Road near Mesquite Street Tuesday afternoon, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. (Photo above is credit by Analiza Patterson)

The incident happened about 3:43pm on Tuesday February 20, 2024 on Mariposa Rd. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s and San Bernardino County Fire Department were called to the scene. The two vehicles involved were a black Chevrolet Suburban and a dark blue Toyota Corolla.

Upon arrival, deputies determined Pavlo (AKA Pablo) Padilla was driving a Chevrolet Suburban north on Mariposa Road. Pedro Valencia-Perez was driving a Toyota Corolla south on Mariposa Road with three passengers. Padilla drove north onto the south lane of Mariposa Road and collided head on into Valencia-Perez’ vehicle. Both involved vehicles sustained major damage as a result of the crash. Despite life saving measures, Valencia-Perez and one of his passengers sustained fatal injuries at the scene. A third passenger was later pronounced deceased at a regional trauma center.

Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears drugs and/or alcohol were a factor in this crash. Pavlo “Pablo” Padilla received serious injuries and was arrested, pending charges for PC 191.5 (a) – Vehicular Manslaghter While Intoxicated and CVC 23153 (a)/(b) – Felony DUI Causing Injury/Death.

Driver/Suspect – Pavlo (AKA: Pablo) Padilla, 45-year-old male from Victorville driver of the Black, 2016 Chevrolet Suburban.

  • blue, 2005 Toyota Corolla driver – Pedro Valencia-Perez, 58-year-old male from Barstow (Deceased)
  • Passenger – Jose Valencia-Saucedo, 22-year-old male from Barstow (Deceased)
  • Passenger – Rosa Saucedo-Negrete, 59-year-old female from Barstow (Deceased)
  • Passenger – Francisco Valencia-Saucedo, 21-year-old male from Barstow (Major Injuries)

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the collision are urged to contact Deputy Deputy F. Zavala, Deputy J. Deberg, or Sergeant B. Motley at the Hesperia Station at 760-947-1500.

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Cajon Pass
7:12 am, Mar 9, 2026
temperature icon 48°F
clear sky
Humidity: 28 %
Pressure: 1014 mb
Wind: 5 mph
Wind Gust: 5 mph
Clouds: 3%
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 7:08 am
Sunset: 6:52 pm
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