UPDATES WITH NAME OF DRIVER:
Highway 62 was briefly closed down in both directions following a traffic crash in Morongo Valley this morning. About 4:10, a 1998 Dodge pick-up truck traveling eastbound on the highway collided with a power pole at Scholl Drive. The pole was sheared off, but was leaning across the eastbound lanes by the tension wires; the westbound lanes were closed about 4:40 as a precaution, and lanes were opened in both directions about 5:30. The California Highway Patrol said Edgar Morales, 44, of Yucca Valley was driving east when he made an unsafe turning movement causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and collide with the power pole. Edgar Morales was arrested for investigation of driving under the influence and booked into the Morongo basin Jail. Morales not injured.
