Drunk driver arrested after nearly crashing into police car

A 23-year-old man from Palm Springs was arrested Wednesday night after nearly crashing into a police car and leading officers on a pursuit.

The chase began just after 8:45 p.m.

Lieutenant Mike Kovaleff said Nathan Scott Gant was driving a silver 2005 Saturn ION southbound on North Via Miraleste when he drove through the stop sign at Racquet Club Drive.

A sergeant with the Palm Springs Police Department was patrolling the area when Gant nearly broadsided the patrol car in the intersection.

Gant sped away and a brief pursuit began.

Kovaleff said the suspect fled from the car after it became disabled near East Via Escuela and North Avenida Caballeros and began jumping over fences and running through nearby yards.

Officers with P.S.P.D. found Gant in the 700 block of El Conquistador after searching the area for five minutes.

Gant was arrested for driving unlicensed, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, and evading law enforcement; all misdemeanor charges.

Kovaleff said he was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.