Deputies Arrest Suspect In Deadly Coachella Hit-And-Run

A Thermal man was arrested today in the hit-and-run death of a 72-year-old man in Coachella.

Jose Ramiro Beltran, 62, is accused in the hit-and-run death of Coachella resident Jesus Moreno, who was struck about 8:15 p.m. Monday on Avenue 52 near Sunset Drive, sheriff’s Deputy Herlinda Valenzuela said.

Beltran, who is being held in jail in lieu of $50,000 bail, was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and felony vehicular manslaughter, according to court records.

The suspect allegedly sped off once the sedan he was driving hit Moreno, who was crossing the street.

Deputies found the suspect vehicle near Avenue 62 and Pierce Street in Thermal about midnight. Soon afterward, they arrested Beltran without a struggle, Valenzuela said.

Moreno was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he was declared dead at 11:45 p.m., according to the coroner’s office.

Beltran is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.