San Bernardino Deputy Arrested After Fatal Colorado River Boating Crash

Bruce Anthony Southworth, a San Bernardino County Sheriff's sergeant, was arrested on suspicion of negligent use of a watercraft while intoxicated after his boat collided with another on the Colorado River near Needles, California, resulting in the death of Weston R. Stewart, 38, of La Verne. The collision occurred shortly after 5:30 p.m. on July 25, when Southworth's 22-foot Cheetah deck boat struck an 18-foot Sanger vessel that was adrift. Stewart suffered major injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital despite CPR efforts. Southworth, who has been with the sheriff's department since 2010 and was previously awarded the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor for his role in the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack response, was placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and are seeking information from the public. Southworth was released on bail, and the case will be submitted to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office upon completion of the investigation.