INDIO, CA — A 38-year-old man suspected of brandishing a firearm at an Indio park Thursday night led police on a chase on a motorized scooter before he ran a stoplight and was killed in a collision with a vehicle, authorities said Friday.
Officers responded to a report of a man on a scooter brandishing a firearm about 8:15 p.m. at Carreon Park. Authorities responded to the scene and found a person matching the suspect's description operating a small scooter-style motorcycle. They attempted to conduct a traffic stop but, he failed to yield, prompting a pursuit, according to the Indio Police Department.
Police said the rider committed multiple traffic violations during the pursuit, including speeding, traveling in opposing lanes of traffic, riding onto sidewalks and disregarding multiple stop signs and red traffic signals.
The pursuit continued southbound on Madison Street before the rider entered an intersection at Avenue 48 against a red light and collided with a vehicle, which had the right of way, according to police.
The impact from the collision caused the rider to be ejected from the scooter, police said.
Officers immediately rendered aid until paramedics arrived a short time later and transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. police said.
The identity of the suspect was withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The driver of the vehicle, identified only as a 37-year-old woman, did not sustain any injuries and cooperated with investigators.
Police said the investigation was ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the investigation was asked to call Indio Police Department at 760-391-4303.
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