The Inland Empire Crime Blog

Involved Parties:

David Michael Kerber, 23 years old from Moreno Valley, Ca.
Michael Alfred Coleman, 23 years old from Yorba Linda, Ca.
Joel Wesley Patterson, 47 years old from Hesperia, Ca.

During the afternoon hours of Saturday July 11th, 2009 David Kerber was operating his 1999 Lavey Craft powerboat southbound on the Colorado River near the entrance to Lake Havasu. This area is a narrow portion of the Colorado River that has heavy boat traffic during the summer months. Kerber attempted to pass a 1989 Caribbean powerboat which was also southbound on the river and was being operated by Michael Coleman. As Kerber passed by Coleman he collided with a northbound 2001 Warlock powerboat being operated by Joel Patterson. Kerber’s Lavey Craft vessel then maneuvered into the path of the Caribbean vessel that was being operated by Michael Coleman. Coleman attempted evasive maneuvers but collided with the Lavey Craft.

David Kerber was ejected from the Lavey Craft vessel and was not able to be immediately found. Members of the Sheriff’s Dive Team conducted a search of the river and recovered Kerber’s body. He was pronounced dead at the site of the collision. Kerber’s passenger received minor injuries and was treated by medical personnel at the scene.

Five passengers from the Warlock vessel were injured and treated at the Lake Havasu Medical Center. The operator of the Warlock, Patterson was flown to Sunrise Medical Center for treatment of internal injuries.

One of the passengers from the Caribbean vessel received injures to her head. She was transported to the Lake Havasu Medical Center for treatment and was later released.

The investigation is continuing and alcohol is believed to be a factor in the collision. No arrests have been made pending the conclusion of the investigation. An autopsy will be performed on Kerber to determine the cause and manner of death.

Boaters are reminded to have a designated driver when operating a boat on the Colorado River. Operating a boat and drinking alcohol do not mix. Investigators from the Colorado River Station strongly encourage every boat owner to take a boating safety course.

Sergeant Tim Smith
Colorado River Station
760-326-9205
Case #: 250900093

ROD HOOPS, SHERIFF
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER DEPARTMENT
c/o Public Affairs Division
655 East Third Street
San Bernardino, California 92415-0061
Telephone:  (909) 387-3700

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
Current Press Release
FATAL BOAT COLLISION  –7/11/2009
COLORADO RIVER NEAR CATFISH BAY  ,
VICTIM:
SUSPECT: