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1300+A crash on Amargosa Road in Victorville on Thursday morning damaged a gas meter, forced nearby businesses to evacuate, and closed part of the roadway for hours. Authorities say the collision followed an alleged assault inside the vehicle.
What Happened on Amargosa Road
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department says the incident was reported around 8:29 a.m. on Oct. 22, 2026, near Amargosa Road and Dos Palmas Road. Deputies from the Victorville Station responded to a traffic collision.
Investigators learned that a woman was driving southbound on Amargosa Road with a 39-year-old man in the passenger seat. Authorities say he physically assaulted her while she drove.
How the Crash Unfolded
According to the sheriff’s department, the driver grabbed the steering wheel while trying to protect herself. The vehicle then traveled northbound and struck a gas meter next to a business.
The damaged meter released gas. Nearby businesses were evacuated as a precaution while emergency crews worked the scene.
Road Closure and Emergency Response
Amargosa Road was closed between Dos Palmas Road and Cholame Road for several hours. The Victorville Fire Department, CONFIRE, and Southwest Gas all responded.
The driver was taken to a local hospital. Her condition has not been released.
Arrest Made in the Case
Authorities say the passenger, identified as Delmonta Avery of Barstow, got out of the vehicle and ran from the scene. Deputies searched the area, found him, and detained him.
He was booked at the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto on suspicion of corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant under Penal Code 273.5(a). An arrest is not a conviction, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Anyone with information can contact the Victorville Police Station at 760-241-2911 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at 760-956-5001.
Civil vs. Criminal Liability After a Crash
A crash like this can lead to more than one legal process. A criminal case is brought by the government and focuses on punishment. A civil case is brought by an injured person to recover compensation.
The two are separate. As Attorney Jeff explains in its guide to civil vs. criminal cases in California, the outcome of a criminal case does not control the civil case. Civil filing deadlines also keep running while criminal charges move forward.
Who May Be Affected by a Crash Like This
Property damage and a gas release can affect more than the people in the vehicle. Depending on the facts, these parties may have questions about their rights:
- The driver, who may have physical and emotional injuries
- Business owners and employees affected by the evacuation
- Anyone nearby who was hurt or exposed during the incident
- California’s comparative negligence rules also matter in many crash cases. If fault is shared, compensation may be reduced by each party’s percentage of responsibility.
Steps to Take After a Serious Crash
Safety comes first. Get away from hazards like leaking gas, then get medical care even if injuries seem minor.
Keep photos, video, witness names, police report numbers, and medical records. Avoid giving recorded statements to an insurance company before you understand your rights.
California generally gives injury victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, so waiting can put a claim at risk.
Help for Injured Victims in San Bernardino County
Complicated crashes need careful investigation. The experienced car accident lawyers at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can review what happened, explain your options, and pursue compensation from responsible parties.
Learn more about our personal injury law firm’s services available to High Desert residents. The firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless there is a recovery.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.