DUI Injury Crash In La Quinta: Suspect Free On Bond

LA QUINTA, CA — A 21-year-old man suspected of driving drunk and rear-ending an SUV in La Quinta, injuring four people, was free from jail Tuesday.

The crash was reported at 4:49 p.m. Sunday in the intersection of Avenue 48 and Dune Palms Drive, according to Sgt. Mark Chlarson of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Chlarson said investigators determined both vehicles were traveling westbound on Avenue 48 when a Dodge Durango driven by Jesus Daniel Barrera, 21, of Indio rear-ended a Nissan Rogue at a high rate of speed, causing the Nissan driver to lose control and the vehicle to roll over.

"Barrera was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol when the collision occurred and was arrested for driving under the influence causing injury," the sergeant said. "He was booked into John Benoit Detention Center."

All four occupants of the Rogue suffered major injuries and were taken by ambulance to Desert Regional Medical Center, while Barerra refused medical treatment, Chlarson said.

According to inmate records, Barrera posted $50,000 bail on Monday. He's slated to be arraigned at the Larson Justice Center in Indio on Dec. 13.