Crime & Safety
Coachella Suspect Arrested On Suspicion Of Selling Drugs, DUI
A driver sped away from deputies attempting to stop him for erratic driving in a pursuit that lasted about a minute, officers say.
COACHELLA, CA — A felon with a warrant for selling drugs and suspected of driving under the influence of narcotics Tuesday was arrested in Coachella.
Riverside County Sheriff's Department deputies attempted at about 1:30 p.m. to stop Francisco Romero who was suspected of driving while under the influence in the area of Avenue 54 and Cesar Chavez Street, near Augustine Casino, according to a department statement.
"The vehicle failed to stop for deputies and a vehicle pursuit was initiated," according to the sheriff's department. "The pursuit lasted less than one minute and ended when the suspect vehicle stopped in a dirt lot at Shady Lane and Avenida Del Prado."
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Romero was taken into custody without further incident, and authorities learned he had "an active felony warrant for narcotic sales and appeared to be under the influence of narcotics" at the time of his arrest. Authorities also discovered Romero allegedly discarded a loaded handgun and two extended magazines during the pursuit, but the items were later recovered.
The 44-year-old was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for driving under the influence, evading arrest, being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition and the felony warrant.
