In a tragic turn of events in the Town of Yucca Valley, a 57-year-old man has been identified as the suspect in a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced that Troy Dean Reynolds will soon face justice after being charged for his alleged role in the collision that killed Joshua Alexander Sanchez Barreras. The incident occurred on the evening of January 26, on SR-62, also known as Twentynine Palms Highway, according to SBSD - Morongo Basin Sheriff's Department.
Deputies stumbled upon the scene close to 8:26 p.m. They found young Barreras unresponsive in the median of the highway, and though emergency medical aid was swiftly rendered, the teen was later pronounced dead at Hi-Desert Medical Center. Investigators quickly pieced together the grim puzzle through evidence found at the scene and subsequent leads, allowing them to pinpoint Reynolds, whose dodge-and-dodge tactics to avoid law enforcement accountability were ultimately unsuccessful.
Evidence linking Reynolds to the crime included parts from his Dodge Ram 5500 tow truck discovered at a Riverside County body shop, suggesting steps taken to cover his tracks. However, the Morongo Basin Major Accident Investigation Team's tenacious efforts led to a breakthrough in the case. The Sheriff’s Department details how detectives were able to locate truck parts consistent with the collision, which eventually led to Reynolds' identification, as per SBSD - Morongo Basin Sheriff's Department.
Rigorous investigative work culminated in the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office filing a felony complaint against Reynolds. Through an arrangement with his defense, Reynolds is set to surrender in court on February 27, to formally face the charges against him. The felony count of hit-and-run resulting in death comes with serious implications, to which the defense will have to carefully maneuver their response.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Morongo Basin Station encourages those in the know to call at (760) 366-4175. For those desiring anonymity, they may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME.
