Phelan, California (August 29, 2025) — A 17-year-old Oak Hills boy was killed Friday evening in a collision involving an off-road vehicle and a car driven by a suspected drunk driver, according to the California Highway Patrol and the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
Incident Details: The crash occurred around 6:40 p.m. in a desert area near Caughlin and Dos Palmas roads. CHP logs indicate that 17-year-old Max Pulido was driving a Can-Am side-by-side off-road vehicle when it was struck by a sedan. Authorities identified the driver of the car as 28-year-old Joshua Veve, who was arrested at the scene. County booking records show that Veve was taken into custody at 7:36 p.m. on suspicion of driving under the influence, driving with a blood-alcohol concentration above .08%, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Pulido was pronounced dead following the crash. Veve’s bail was set at $250,000 pending his first court appearance. The CHP’s Victorville Area Office is continuing to investigate.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: DUI-related fatalities are among the most tragic and preventable crashes on California roadways. In this case, the arrest of Joshua Veve underscores the serious criminal consequences of impaired driving. Investigators will continue to examine how the collision occurred, including factors such as speed, visibility in the desert area, and whether the off-road vehicle had proper lighting. While those details may affect the mechanics of the crash, the fact that Veve is accused of driving under the influence will weigh heavily in both criminal and civil proceedings.
In addition to criminal prosecution, civil liability is a possibility. Pulido’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim against Veve to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost companionship, and the immeasurable emotional toll of losing a child. Because DUI conduct is considered egregious negligence, punitive damages may also be pursued to punish the wrongdoing and deter similar behavior.
The death of a minor further complicates the civil damages analysis. Courts may consider the loss of the victim’s potential future contributions to his family and community, as well as the profound emotional suffering of surviving relatives. Families navigating such losses often require strong legal guidance to ensure they obtain justice alongside any criminal penalties imposed.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Max Pulido as they grieve his loss.
Source: Victorville Daily Press