Deputy-involved crash snarls traffic in La Quinta

Traffic snarled in La Quinta after a three-car crash involving a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy occurred near Washington Street and Avenue 48 Thursday afternoon.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was called to the crash at about 3:15 p.m.

There weren’t any significant injuries reported in the accident, which deputies said appeared to be a chain reaction. The patrol car was rear-ended by a Mustang which appeared to be rear-ended by a Nissan Rogue.

Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries and two others went to the hospital for complaint of pain. The deputy wasn’t injured in the crash, according to the sheriff’s department.

Authorities said drugs and alcohol don’t appear to be factors in the crash. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

The crash is causing major traffic congestion in La Quinta. Officers advise commuters to avoid the area for the time being.