Driver who allegedly struck pedestrian on Candy Cane Lane to stand trial
A 22-year-old Palm Springs resident who allegedly struck a pedestrian with his car near the “Candy Cane Lane” area of Cathedral City four days before Christmas must stand trial on a felony hit-and-run
charge, a judge ruled today.
Arvinder Singh Cheema remains in custody in lieu of $300,000 bail in connection with the Dec. 21 hit-and-run in the 68200 block of Bella Vista Road.
Read: Woman struck by hit-and-run driver near Candy Cane Lane in Cathedral City
The crash scene is not far from the elaborately decorated homes on Minerva Road, known as “Candy Cane Lane” during the holiday season.
The victim — identified only as Melanie A. in court documents — was hospitalized in “grave” condition following the crash, but a great bodily injury sentence enhancement against Cheema was stricken Friday at prosecutors’ request.
Read: Woman recovering after hit-and-run near Candy Cane Lane
In addition to the hit-and-run count, Cheema is charged with two felony counts of dissuading witnesses, though what he allegedly did to deter the two men was not disclosed by police.
Cheema was arrested at his home about 8 p.m. Dec. 23, after police received “multiple tips from residents” that helped identify him as the alleged driver of the yellow Camaro seen speeding away from the crash scene, Cathedral City police Cmdr. Julio Luna said.
Cheema, whose bail was initially set at $50,000, allegedly told Cathedral City police officers that he would flee to his home country of India as soon as he got out of jail, prompting a bail increase at his arraignment. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Harold Hopp also ordered that Cheema turn in his passport if released from custody.
He’s next due in court May 18 for a post-preliminary hearing arraignment.
Download the KESQ & CBS Local 2 app on iTunes or Google Play for up-to-the-minute breaking news alerts & more
More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations
Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2
Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ & @Local2
We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3 & @CBSLocal2
Noticias en español: Telemundo 15
