We have more information about a fiery head-on crash in Yucca Mesa Friday that sent three people to the hospital. About 3:20 p.m., Jack Pennington, 37, of Yucca Valley was driving his 2007 Nissan Quest northbound on Avalon Avenue. Driving southbound on Avalon Avenue was Gustavo Zermenoflores, 24, of Desert Hot Springs. Just as Pennington passed Songbird Lane, he pulled into the southbound lane to pass a slower vehicle and crashed head on in Zermenoflores’ 2008 Ford F-250 pick-up truck, which was towing a trailer. Neither Pennington nor his 4-year-old son were wearing their seatbelts, and they sustained major injuries. They were flown to local trauma hospitals. Gustavo Zermenoflores received minor injuries and was taken to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs. Jack Pennington was arrested for investigation of driving under the influence and was released to Desert Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Pennington has earlier convictions for not wearing seatbelts and for allowing his children to ride in vehicles without a seatbelt.
