Man arrested in connection to deadly hit and run in Cathedral City

A 79 year old Rancho Mirage man has been arrested in connection to a deadly hit and run that occurred in Cathedral City on Friday, September 12.

Cathedral City police officers responded to the 100 block of Monte Carlo Street in Rancho Mirage at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday after someone reported a damaged car that was possibly linked to the hit and run.

According to a release from C.C.P.D., Patrick Ray Springstead is the registered owner of the car, and while officers were questioning him he confessed to the crash. Officers said they were also able to match evidence found at the crash scene to Springstead’s car.

Springstead was arrested Thursday night for felony hit and run causing death. He was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.

He posted bail and was released, according to authorities.

Victor Mendez, 61, was killed in the crash as he was trying to cross Date Palm Drive near Baristo Road at about 7:45 p.m. According to Cathedral City police, Mendez was found in the center divider and pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses reported seeing a white or silver four-door sedan leaving the scene.

The investigation is ongoing and authorities ask anyone with information to call the Cathedral City Police Department at 760-770-0303.