Cathedral City Police Officer Dies After Pursuit

The Cathedral City police department is mourning the death of one of their own.

Late Friday night, while on a high speed pursuit, Jermaine Gibson, 29, lost control of his patrol car and crashed into a palm tree on South Palm Canyon Drive and burst into flames. The officer died at the scene.

“Fine officer, guy loves his job and we are heart broken,” said Lt. Charles Robinsonof the Cathedral City Police Department.

According to the California Highway Patrol, around 11:30 p.m., Officer Gibson attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Date Palm, near I-10, when the suspect sped off in a stolen vehicle.

“I saw smoke billowing up, so I grabbed my camera, I went running and this car down by chevron was totally engulfed in flames.” said Kevin Thomas a witness.

Palm Springs police will be conducting an investigation. So far, the names of the suspects Gibson was chasin have not been released, but one of them was a wanted parolee at large. Meantime, the CHP is investigating the collision, as it does when officers are involved in accidents on-the-job.

Just last week Gibson was recognized in Riverside for his efforts to identify and arrest drunk drivers by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Lt. Robinson was there.

“On behalf everyone here in the city and the entire staff, city council and quite frankly, the community of Cathedral City – to the family, our thoughts and prayers are for them, :said Catheleen Derosa, Cathedral City mayor:. “We are here to help them and support them through this difficult times.”

Officer Gibson leaves a wife and a brand new baby behind, and the Cathedral City Officers Association is going to be setting up a memorial fund in the family’s name