Cathedral City Man Faces Charges After Hitting Two People

A 23-year-old man suspected of crashing his car while under the influence of drugs and seriously injuring two pedestrians — including a toddler — was behind bars today in lieu of $150,000 bail.

Cesar Adrian Munoz-Jimenez of Cathedral City was arrested around 7 p.m. Sunday at the scene of the crash in the 69400 block of El Canto Road, near Santoro Drive, said Sgt. Corwin de Veas of the Cathedral City Police Department.

Munoz-Jimenez, along with a juvenile driver of a second vehicle, is accused of driving recklessly on El Canto Road before the crash, de Veas said.

The pedestrians — a 17-year-old girl and a 2-year-old child — were allegedly struck by Munoz-Jiminez’s vehicle while he was driving in reverse, according to de Veas. He said the victims were found on the sidewalk and the driveway of a home.

The victims were at a family party at the time of the crash. Marlene Aguirre and her son felt the car slam into the wall outside. She saw the teenager, who’s leg was amputated by the inpact of the crash.

“Just stuck there. Stuck sitting there, sitting up. She was in a sitting position, facing the house, looking at everyone. The chaos, everything around her,” said Aguirre.

Aguirre says officers estimate Jimenez hit 70 miles per hour before the crash. Police say Jimenez tried to run from the scene but a family member stopped him until officers arrived.

“Imagine if there was more kids and a little ball playing duck, duck goose or something and he just … Like bowling pins hit every single kid,” said Aguirre.

Paramedics rushed the victims to Loma Linda hospital in critical condition. Aguirre says the toddler broke both legs, a fractured skull and needs reconstructive surgery. The teenager might lose her other leg.

“She’ll never be able to wear a skirt again and go to the beach and wear little shorts,” said Aguirre. “And what if she’s not gonna be in a wheelchair until her family has many to buy those prosthetic legs.”

The second driver’s involvement is under investigation and he is being sought for questioning. A description was not released.

Munoz-Jimenez was booked into the Indio Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana and other drugs.

Anyone with information about the accident was asked to call police at (760) 770-0303.