CHP patrol unit damaged by DUI driver

A California Highway Patrol car was damaged late Wednesday night when it was struck by an impaired driver in Cathedral City.

The collision happened as officers were escorting a big rig semi truck hauling an over-sized load through the area, according to CHP Officer Joe Zagorski.

A motorist hit one of the many patrol cars that were involved in the traffic control effort, Zagorski said to News Channel 3.

It happened at Date Palm Drive a mile south of Interstate 10 near Tachevah Drive, Zagorski said. A 200 foot trailer was carrying a large transformer from Long Beach harbor to Ocotillo. It was being driven south in Date Palm’s northbound traffic lanes at the time.

There were no injuries, but police arrested the driver they said was impaired and had a blood alcohol level .18, more than two times the legal limit allowable to drive.

The over-sized load was not damaged and continued toward its destination in Ocotillo.

The trailer was set to enter Cathedral City from the west and travel east on Vista Chino to Date Palm Drive.

It then turned south on Date Palm Drive to Dinah Shore Drive, then turned east and exited the city.

CHP officers escorted the over-sized load at all times.