Car hits red light, patrol car in alcohol-fueld crash in Coachella
A car ran a red light today and hit a sheriff’s patrol car in a possibly alcohol-related crash in Coachella, authorities said.
The crash was reported shortly after 12:30 a.m. at Van Buren Street and Avenue 50. A gray Kia, occupied by two men, ran a red light at the intersection, crashing into the rear passenger side of a sheriff’s patrol unit and causing major damage to both vehicles, sheriff’s Capt. Frank Taylor said.
The sheriff’s deputy, whose name was withheld, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. The deputy was expected to be released this morning, Taylor said.
The driver of the Kia ran off and the passenger, who was not hurt, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of public intoxication. Leonardo Salcido, 23, of La Quinta, was booked into the county jail in Indio, Taylor said.
Authorities believe the crash may have been alcohol-related and are seeking the driver of the Kia, who was described as a Hispanic man in his 20s, about 5 feet, 7 inches tall and wearing dark clothing, Taylor said.
Anyone with information on the crash was urged to call the sheriff’s department at (760) 836-3215 or (760) 863-8990, Coachella Valley Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-7867, or email thermalstationriversidesheriff.org, with case number Y121160003.
