911 Problems Plague Coachella Valley

A backhoe operator apparently severed a key communications line that threw the Coachella Valley 911 system into disarray today.

Problems started cropping up about 9 a.m., with some calls being rerouted and some cell phone calls reportedly being dropped but, by early this afternoon, most systems were working, Indio police spokesman Ben Guitron said.

A 911 call placed in Palm Springs this afternoon was answered by an emergency dispatcher. Officials with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol said their emergency systems are working, the CHP said it was unable to receive 911 calls for a brief period.

Cathedral City residents who have a problem using 911 can also call (760) 770-0300, ext. 2.