Crime & Safety
1 Of 2 Juveniles Struck In RivCo Hit-And-Run Dies
The vehicle allegedly fled the scene prior to deputies' arrival, but was later located and detained in La Quinta.
LA QUINTA, CA — One of two juveniles struck by a vehicle while riding their bikes in La Quinta has died, authorities said Saturday.
The accident was reported at 9:05 p.m. Oct. 10 near the intersection of Highway 111 and Adams Street, where responding deputies found that the victims had been riding their bikes across Highway 111 when they were struck, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
The vehicle allegedly fled the scene prior to deputies' arrival, but was later located and detained in La Quinta. The driver was identified as 47-year-old Jose Villegas Orbe of Palm Springs.
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Investigators said they suspect Orbe was intoxicated at the time of the crash and was allegedly also involved in another hit-and-run crash in Indian Wells.
He was previously placed on probation for driving under the influence, according to the sheriff's department.
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The second juvenile injured in the Oct. 10 accident was discharged from the hospital and was recovering at home, sheriff's officials said.
Orbe was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center, where he was being held on $1 million bail. He was scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 17 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.
Anyone with additional information about the suspect or the accident was encouraged to contact Deputy Martinez at 760-863-8990. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 760-341-7867.
— City News Service
