Lexus Driver Crashes into Ambulance with Patient, Accused of Driving on Meds

A man driving a Lexus allegedly collided with a Cal Fire Palm Desert ambulance with a patient on board Thursday in Rancho Mirage and the man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription meds, a sheriff's sergeant said.

Deputies were called out at 1:23 p.m. Aug. 15 to a collision on Country Club Drive and Monterey Avenue in Rancho Mirage, Sgt. David Wright of the sheriff's Rancho Mirage station said in a statement.

"The investigation revealed that a white 2006 Lexus 300 was traveling westbound on Country Club Drive just west of Monterey Avenue in a construction zone when it veered left into the adjacent lane and collided with a Cal-Fire/Palm Desert Paramedic Unit that was traveling in the same direction," Wright said. "The paramedic unit was carrying a patient at the time, but no one was injured as a result of the collision."

The driver of the Lexus was identified as Jay Joseph Castaldo, age 54 of Rancho Mirage, Wright said. Castaldo was transported to a hospital for a precautionary evaluation.

"Castaldo was determined to be under the influence of prescription medications at the time of the collision and was a factor in the collision," Wright said. "Due to fact that Castaldo required further medical attention, driving under the influence charges will be filed out-of-custody."

Anyone with more information about this incident was urged to contact the Rancho Mirage Police Department at (760) 836-1600, or they can call in anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867). Refer to file #S13 227 0030.