Alleged DUI driver knocks out utility poles in La Quinta

An alleged drunk driver crashed into a pair of power poles and attempted to hide from police before his eventual arrest, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reported Saturday.

Jesus Sanchez, 62, of Thermal, was arrested for suspicion of drunken driving, said Sgt. Jon Gaw of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to the crash at 7:44 p.m. Friday near Monroe Street and Avenue 58 in La Quinta.

Sanchez was headed southbound on Monroe Street in a blue 2003 Toyota when he crashed into the utility poles, police said. Deputies said they found Sanchez hiding among trees in the area near his vehicle.

Sanchez was taken to a hospital as a precaution before he was booked at the Riverside County jail in Indio. Sanchez was released Saturday morning.