Coachella hit-and-run victim follows offender

An alleged drunk driver rear-ended another vehicle, whose driver followed until the alleged drunk ran off a road and crashed, deputies said Sunday.

Josue Villareal Lopez, 21, of Coachella, was driving north on Grapefruit Boulevard when he crashed into another vehicle as its driver slowed for a red light at Avenue 49, according the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Lopez sped off, northbound on Grapefruit Boulevard, and drove several miles into Indio, deputies said. He was followed by the victimized motorist.

Lopez reportedly lost control of his vehicle and drove off Indio Boulevard at Oasis Street. Deputies were called out at 8:15 p.m. Saturday.

Lopez was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, non-injury hit and run, and driving on a suspended license. He was taken to an area hospital for a precaution prior to being booked into the Riverside County jail in Indio.