Teen arrested for allegedly causing crash while on drugs says police

A 19-year old Indio man has been arrested after causing a crash in La Quinta Thursday afternoon, allegedly while under the influence of drugs.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, at approximately 3:00 pm, officers from the La Quinta Police Department responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Avenue 52 and Washington Street.

Officers determined that the driver of Ford Focus drove through the intersection of Washington Street and collided with a White Mercedes Benz. The driver of the Focus was treated for non-life threatening injuries and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. He was identified as 19 year-old Indio resident John Smotherman.

Smotherman was booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio facing DUI charges. The driver of the Mercedes Benz was treated and released at the scene.

The La Quinta Police Department urges all drivers not to operate a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To report suspected impaired drivers, please call 911.