CHERRY VALLEY, CA – A crash involving a Riverside County Sheriff’s patrol vehicle and a Tesla left one person dead and another seriously injured Saturday morning in Cherry Valley.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision happened shortly after 10 a.m. on Cherry Valley Boulevard when a Tesla Model 3 turned left from Roberts Street into the path of a Ford Explorer patrol SUV. The patrol unit was being driven by a 41-year-old deputy from the Cabazon Station, who was responding to an emergency call with lights and sirens activated.
The Tesla’s driver, 21-year-old Gavin Hinkey, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a 20-year-old woman from Cherry Valley, suffered major injuries and was rushed to a hospital.
CHP reported that the deputy, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained minor injuries. Investigators said that drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the deadly crash.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation into the deadly crash in Cherry Valley remains ongoing. Witnesses are urged to contact the CHP San Gorgonio Pass office.
