Repeat DUI Driver Accused In Crash That Killed RivCo Deputy, Daughter

SAN GORGONIO PASS AREA, CA — A Riverside County Sheriff's Department correctional deputy and his daughter were killed Sunday in a Pass Area crash allegedly caused by a DUI motorist with prior convictions for driving while intoxicated.

Correctional Cpl. Daniel Jacks Jr., 45, of San Jacinto, and his 19-year-old daughter, Hannah Jacks, died at the scene of the wreck that was reported at approximately 8:57 p.m. on Gilman Springs Road, east of Bridge Street, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The corporal was driving a Honda Insight eastbound on Gilman Springs, with his daughter in the front passenger seat, when a westbound Chevrolet Silverado crossed over the divided highway and smashed into the family head-on, the CHP reported.

The Chevy was driven by Scott Brandon Bales, 47, of Moreno Valley. He and his passenger, a 45-year-old Moreno Valley man, were seriously injured in the crash and were transported to an area hospital for treatment, according to the CHP.

"Mr. Bales was determined to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the crash and arrested for two counts of homicide, as well as driving under the influence and causing injury to his passenger," according to Monday's CHP report.

Jail records show Bales was being held at Riverside's Robert Presley Detention Center without bail. He has three prior DUI convictions in Riverside County, according to court records.

Corporal Jacks began his service with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department on September 2, 2008, the agency reported. After graduating from the academy, he was assigned to the Indio jail. In May 2014, he was transferred to the Palm Desert Station; the following year he was transferred back to the Indio detention center.

In March 2022, Jacks was promoted to the rank of correctional corporal and was most recently assigned to the Indio facility, according to the sheriff's department.

"Corporal Jacks is survived by his wife, Denay, son Brent, father Daniel Sr., and brothers Anthony and Tommy," the department reported.

The sheriff's department did not release personal details about Hannah, but her Facebook profile shows she was a dance and musical theatre instructor at Hemet's The Dancers' Studio. In a March 28 post, she shared photos of herself and her young dance students.

"Cherishing these precious backstage moments before my girls grow up," she wrote.

A friend of Jacks' posted, "The world has lost a beautiful soul. I spent most of my dance years learning and growing up with you & I will hold these memories close to my heart.

"My thoughts and love go to Denay Jacks, Brent & the entire Jacks family," the post continued.

The CHP issued a statement about driving under the influence.

"The CHP would like to remind everyone that DUI-related crashes are not accidents and are completely preventable," the agency said. "It is easier than ever to find a safe ride home if your outing includes alcohol. Use a rideshare company, take public transportation, or designate a sober driver."

Editor's note: This story was updated to reflect the fallen peace officer's rank. Additionally, his daughter's age was updated per the latest information provided by the sheriff's department.