Indio Crash That Killed Local Resident Was Caused By DUI Driver: Cops

INDIO, CA — Authorities Wednesday identified a 53-year-old man who died at a hospital after being injured in a crash in Indio, while a 36-year-old man was behind bars on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing the crash.

The decedent was identified by the Riverside County coroner's office as Martin Gutierrez of Indio.

Alexander Frank Ortega was arrested Tuesday night on suspicion of murder, according to inmate records. He remains held on a $2 million bail bond.

Officers responded at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a traffic collision on Indio Springs Parkway east of Golf Center Parkway, Indio Police Department spokesman Ben Guitron told City News Service.

A white GMC pickup truck was traveling west on Indio Springs Parkway when it crossed lanes and went against traffic, Guitron said. The truck then struck a white Saturn Sudan, which was occupied by Gutierrez and a female passenger.

"When they collided it was a pretty serious accident," Guitron said. "The occupants of the Saturn had to be extracted by Indio Fire, Cal Fire and then they were transported by ambulance to the hospital."

It was not immediately known what level of injuries the passenger sustained.

Gutierrez succumbed to his injuries at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio and was pronounced dead at 10:25 p.m., according to the coroner's office.

Guitron said Ortega was detained on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs and booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio.

Indio Springs Parkway was closed in the area as officers with the Indio Police Department Traffic Team investigated the collision, according to Guitron. All roadways reopened by sunrise Wednesday.

The investigation remained ongoing.