Teen identified in deadly hit & run crash
Update: The coroner’s office has released the identity of the 14-year-old boy who was recently killed in a suspected DUI hit and run crash on December 26 in Indio.
Marco Avila of Coachella died at Loma Linda University Medical Center after being rushed from Desert Regional Medical Center in critical condition. The victim’s brother said Marco went by ‘Tony’ and was an 8th grader at Bobby Duke Middle School.
His brother Luis described him as “kind, outgoing and loving.”
Tony’s family has set up a Go Fund Me account
(Tony Avila)
Indio police said 48-year-old Juan Gomez was arrested on multiple felony charges, including homicide and driving under the influence, after a deadly crash at the intersection of Avenue 48 and Monroe Street in Indio on Dec. 26.
(Juan Gomez)
Officers said they arrested and booked Gomez into the County Jail in Indio around 12:30 p.m. Friday, after getting enough evidence from traffic investigators.
Officers said a 14-year-old boy, originally listed in critical condition, died Tuesday just before 5p.m. at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital. Police said the man was one of the passengers in the second vehicle hit by the car driven by Gomez.
Gomez is currently being held without bail, and is expected to be appear in court at the Larson Justice Center in Indio next Tuesday, January 10, at 8 a.m.
UPDATE: Indio Police are now saying the collision was triggered by a drunk driver.
Juan Gomez of Indio has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, according to Indio Sgt. Daniel Marshall
14 people were injured in the collision, four are currently in critical condition.
Original Story: Avenue 48 and Monroe Street are back open Tuesday morning after a four-car crash shut down the intersection in Indio Monday night.
According to CAL Fire, the call came in at 6:48 p.m. for a traffic collision with extrication.
In total, there were 8 patients: One with serious injuries, two with moderate injuries, and five with minor injuries. Two of the eight patients required to be extricated from their vehicle.
According to Indio police, alcohol does appear to be a factor in the crash. No word on any arrests at this point in time.
Stay with News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2 for more information.
