RivCo Man, 22, Arrested For Alleged DUI After Causing 2-Vehicle Crash

DESERT PALMS, CA — A 22-year-old man was arrested Friday for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol after a two-vehicle collision involving a California Highway Patrol enforcement vehicle on westbound Interstate 10 in Desert Palms.

The crash occurred shortly before 1 a.m. Friday at the Washington Street off-ramp, near Varner Road, according to CHP.

The agency said two CHP officers inside a Dodge Charger were responding to an incident and exited the Washington Street off-ramp, when a 2024 Toyota Corolla traveling at an unconfirmed speed entered the wrong way on the westbound off-ramp.

The Corolla crashed into the front of the Dodge and caused front-end damage to both vehicles.

All parties involved sustained major injuries and were taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

The driver of the Corolla was identified as Jose Huitron-Rueda of Thermal, the sole occupant of the vehicle, who was subsequently arrested for alleged DUI.

The crash prompted a SigAlert on the off-ramp, which was lifted shortly before 10 a.m., according to the CHP.

The collision was under investigation. Anyone with information was asked to contact the Indio CHP office at 760-772-5300.

—City News Service