The California Highway Patrol have arrested a Yucca Valley man wanted in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Highway 62 in Joshua Tree, which resulted in the death of a 54-year-old Twentynine Palms resident.
On January 10, 2024, at approximately 8 p.m., Javious Vance, 32, of Yucca Valley was driving a 2014 Dodge Challenger eastbound on highway 62, east of El Rey Avenue in the right lane at a high rate of speed. Michelle Castillo, 27, of Twentynine Palms was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Spark eastbound on Highway 62 in the right lane at a slow rate of speed, ahead of the Dodge.
According to the CHP’s press release, the front of the Dodge struck the rear of the Chevrolet, causing major damage to both vehicles, and Vance fled the scene after the crash and was not immediately located.
A passenger in the victim’s vehicle was transported to Hi Desert Medical Center, where he succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. Both Castillo and her other passenger, June Castillo, 53, of Twentynine Palms, sustained minor injuries and were transported to Desert Regional Medical Center. The identity of the deceased has not been released by San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.
During the investigation, Vance was identified as the driver of the Dodge. On Jan. 11, Vance responded to the CHP’s Morongo Basin office, where he was arrested for vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the CHP’s Morongo Basin office at (760) 366-3707.
