Palm Desert man charged with DUI, hit & run for alleged crash into 2 motorcyclists

A suspected drunk and drugged driver who allegedly ran a red light and crashed into two motorcyclists at a La Quinta intersection was being charged Thursday with felony DUI and hit and run.

Austin Price Williams, a 23-year-old from Palm Desert, is expected to make his initial court appearance Thursday afternoon on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs causing injury and hit and run causing injury.

Read: Two deadly motorcycle crashes right before motorcycle safety awareness month

Williams is accused of running a red light at 9:47 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Washington Street and Highway 111 and crashing into two motorcylists who were lawfully in the intersection, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Frederick.

Our crew at the scene learned the motorcyclists weren’t seriously injured in the crash, but one was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries. The other rider wasn’t hurt.

Williams was arrested later that day at his home in Palm Desert. He was booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio where he was being held on $50,000 bail.

There have been a few motorcycle crashes in the Coachella Valley recently; some being deadly. May highlights motorcycle safety awareness. KESQ and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner just spoke to experts on Monday to learn what all riders need to know before hitting the road.

There are also motorcycle training courses taking place in the Coachella Valley this month to help keep riders informed and protected on the road.

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