Intoxicated man steals Lyft driver’s car in Palm Springs

An intoxicated man allegedly stole a Lyft driver’s vehicle before causing disturbance in Palm Springs bar.

Officers with the Palm Springs Police Department responded to the 800 block of East Tahquitz Canyon Way around 9:40 Saturday night. A man told the officers that someone stole his white 2015 Toyota Sienna van that he used as a Lyft Driver. Minutes later, police said they were flagged down by an employee of a local restaurant who told them that an intoxicated man was causing a disturbance.

After an investigation, police said they determined that the male causing the disturbance was also the suspect who stole the van.

27-year-old Cristian Zartamahecha, of Redondo Beach, was arrested for unlawful taking of a vehicle and receiving a stolen vehicle. He was transported to the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning. The van was returned to its owner.