SAN JACINTO, CA (November 14, 2022) – Riverside County sheriff’s correctional deputy Daniel Jacks Jr. and his daughter were killed in a head-on collision near San Jacinto caused by a suspected drunken driver, authorities said today.
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Daniel Jacks Jr., 45, and Hannah Jacks, 20, both of San Jacinto, were fatally injured about 9 p.m. Sunday on Gilman Springs Road, just east of Bridge Street, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Scott Bales, 47, of Moreno Valley, was arrested on suspicion of second- degree murder, driving under the influence and other offenses for allegedly causing the wreck, in which he was seriously injured.
CHP Officer Jason Montez said Bales was at the wheel of a Chevrolet Silverado with a front-seat passenger going westbound on Gilman Springs when a Honda Insight driven by Jacks approached from the opposite direction on the two- lane corridor, where there is no barrier forming a center median, only double yellow lines.
Montez alleged that Bales’ pickup “crossed over the divided highway and traveled into the eastbound traffic lane.”
The Chevy slammed head-on into the Honda, with both vehicles coming to a stop in lanes, according to the CHP spokesman.
Riverside County Fire Department paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced Jacks and his daughter dead at the scene.
Bales and his passenger, identified by the CHP only as a 45-year-old Moreno Valley man, were taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley for treatment of major injuries.
“Bales was determined to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the crash,” Montez said.
Background information on the suspect was unavailable.
The sheriff’s department did not immediately release a statement concerning the loss of the deputy.
UPDATE November 15, 2022: Friends, family and colleagues of a Riverside County sheriff’s correctional deputy killed with his 19-year-old daughter by a suspected drunk driver in a wreck north of San Jacinto were in mourning today.
Corporal Daniel Jacks Jr., 45, and his daughter, Hannah Jacks, both of San Jacinto, were fatally injured at about 9 p.m. Sunday on Gilman Springs Road, just east of Bridge Street.
Scott Bales, 47, of Moreno Valley was arrested on suspicion of DUI murder and other charges for allegedly causing the deadly head-on collision. Bales remains hospitalized in serious condition at Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley.
In a statement released Monday night, the sheriff’s department expressed its collective sadness over the deaths, noting that Jacks had been a deputy for 14 years.
“Corporal Jacks began his service with the department on Sept. 2, 2008,” the agency said. “After graduating the (sheriff’s) academy, he was assigned to the Indio Jail. In May 2014, he was transferred to the Palm Desert Station, and the following year transferred back to the Indio Jail.”
During his tenure there, the facility was renamed the John J. Benoit Detention Center. In March, Jacks attained the rank of corporal.
He is survived by his wife, Denay, and son, Brent, as well as brothers Anthony and Tommy Jacks, and father Daniel Jacks Sr., officials said.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
CHP Officer Jason Montez said Bales was at the wheel of a Chevrolet Silverado with a front-seat passenger going westbound on Gilman Springs when Jacks’ Honda Insight approached from the opposite direction on the two-lane corridor, where there is no barrier forming a center median, only double yellow lines.
Montez alleged that Bales’ pickup “crossed over the divided highway and traveled into the eastbound traffic lane.”
The Chevy slammed head-on into the Honda, after which both vehicles came to a stop in lanes, according to the CHP spokesman. County fire paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced Jacks and his daughter dead at the scene.
Bales and his passenger, identified by the CHP only as a 45-year-old Moreno Valley man, were taken to the county medical center for treatment of major injuries.
“Bales was determined to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the crash,” Montez said.
Background information on the suspect was unavailable.
[via CNS]
Liability In San Jacinto DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Daniel and Hannah Jacks’ San Jacinto Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Daniel Jacks and Hannah Jacks. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in San Jacinto? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.