Suspected drunk driver arrested as police respond to robbery

A suspected drunk driver was arrested Sunday morning, as police officers responded to an armed robbery report in Cathedral City.

Officers arrested 59-year-old Gregorio Perez of Cathedral City on suspicion of drunk driving near Buddy Rogers Drive around 9:22 p.m. Saturday.

Police were responding to reports of an armed robbery outside a convenience store, when they spotted Perez without his headlights on and using his cellphone. Perez also ran a stop sign and nearly collided with two different police units, according to police.

Responding officers later discovered the armed robberyoccurred at Palo Verde and Taquitz, rather than the original report near the convenience store, police Sgt. Corwin de Veas said.

The victim told police that two armed Hispanic men approached him as he was walking to the convenience store. The two suspects demanded money and other items, according to police.

The two men got away and a search came up empty Sunday morning.

One of the men, who held a handgun, is described as 5-feet 2-inches tall with a thin build and wearing a black cap and black shirt. Police believe he is between 20 to 25 years old.

The second suspect is believed to be heavy set, but no other descriptions were given.

If you have any information regarding the robbery call the Cathedral City Police Department at (760) 770-0300.