An 18-year-old San Bernardino man was killed near the Mitsubishi Plant on Highway 18 June 17 following a high-speed police pursuit that began in Baldwin Lake. The man’s name — Jeremy Kalamaku Engstrom — has just been released by authorities.. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)
By G.T. Houts
Baldwin Lake, CA – The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner has identified the 18-year-old driver of a vehicle involved in a police pursuit and crash that closed Highway 18 for several hours on Tuesday, June 17, as Jeremy Kalamaku Engstrom from San Bernardino.
The investigation of the incident by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station is ongoing.
THE INCIDENT
Shortly before 1:45 p.m., June 17, a Big Bear Sheriff’s deputy patrolling the area of East Shay Road and North Palamino Road in Baldwin Lake received an electronic automatic license plate reader notification of a possible stolen vehicle.
The vehicle — which was confirmed as a stolen 2014 silver Hyundai Elantra — was occupied by three subjects. The driver reportedly failed to yield to an attempted vehicle stop, initiating a high speed pursuit.
The driver — later identified as Engstrom — continued down Highway 18 towards Lucerne Valley at speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour and crossing the double yellow line multiple times. Engstrom reportedly lost control of the vehicle in front of the Mitsubishi Plant, causing it to roll over.
The crash closed the roadway between Baldwin Lake and Lucerne Valley for about three hours.
INJURIES/ARRESTS
The High Desert Detention Center is located in Adelanto. (Photo by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)
Engstrom died from injuries sustained in the crash. His two passengers — Destiny Sanchez, 20, from Yucaipa and Joshua Anthony McCarthy, 23, a transient –received minor injuries and were transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Apple Valley for treatment.
Following their release from the hospital, both passengers were booked into the High Desert Detention Center on felony charges of possession of the Hyundai, which had been reported stolen.
The District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against Sanchez and she was released from custody.
McCarthy will answer in Superior Court to the felony complaint filed June 20. He was released on bail from the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto at 2:21 a.m. on Saturday, June 21.
JEREMY ENGSTROM
Prior to the incident that claimed his life, a warrant had been issued for Engstrom’s arrest after he failed to appear in court, May 22, after being arrested for a misdemeanor charge of theft of personal property on February 24, according to court documents. (352)