On March 15, 2022, at approximately 8:40 PM, Kevin Spruell Jr., 24-year-old from Joshua Tree,
was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Tracker northbound on Center Avenue north of Shifting Sands
Drive with passenger Kevin Spruell Sr., 49-year-old from Joshua Tree. Due to his level of
intoxication, Spruell Jr. unsafely turned the Cheverolet to the left causing the Chevrolet to roll
over onto a dirt berm on private property. During the rollover, neither occupant was wearing a
seatbelt, and both were thrown around within the vehicle. Kevin Spruell Sr. suffered fatal
injuries as a result of the crash. Spruell Jr. suffered major injuries and was transported by
Morongo Basin Ambulance (MBA) to Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Palms
Springs. Spruell Jr. was evaluated for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol and drugs.
Spruell Jr. was arrested for DUI causing injury and is being treated at DRMC for his injuries.
This crash is being investigated by Officer Swanson.
OFFICER CASEY SIMMONS #19593
Public Information Officer
Traffic Collision Investigation Review Officer
VIN Officer
Radar Coordinator
Court Liaison
PAS Coordinator
CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL