50-Year-Old Victorville Woman Killed, 3 Injured in Hesperia Hit-and-Run Accident at State Route 173 and Arrowhead Lake Road; William Montanye Arrested
Hesperia, California (September 22, 2021) – A woman was killed in a hit-and-run accident last week on Wednesday afternoon in Hesperia, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The deadly crash happened at around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 15, at the intersection of State Route 173 and Arrowhead Lake Road.
The CHP said William Lee Montanye, 63, was driving a Buick Century northbound on State Route 173 when, for unknown reasons, he allowed the vehicle to cross over the double yellow lines and entered the opposite lane.
The Buick then collided with a southbound Subaru Forester driven by a Victorville man.
Deadly 2-Vehicle Crash at State Route 173 and Arrowhead Lake Road in Hesperia
A 50-year-old Victorville woman, who was a passenger in the front seat of the Subaru, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name has not been disclosed pending notification of next of kin.
The Subaru driver sustained life-threatening injuries while two children, aged 10 and 12, who were riding in the back of the Subaru, had minor injuries.
After the collision, Montanye fled the scene on foot into a heavy brush in the area. On Sunday, he was arrested in a rural area of Apple Valley.
Montanye was eventually booked into jail for two counts of hit and run resulting in death or injury and one count of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence.
The crash remains under investigation.
Tips on What to do after a Car Accident in California
- Always stop and remain at the scene.
- Check if you or your passengers have been injured. In case someone is hurt, call emergency services or ask someone else to help.
- Get to safety – If your car is drivable, move it to a safe area. If it's not, turn your hazard lights on and set up flares.
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Never discuss or admit fault. Instead, wait for a police officer and insurance companies representatives to figure out the fault.
- Document the accident and exchange information with other drivers.