DUI Suspected In Deadly Cathedral City Crash, 1 Arrested

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA — A three-vehicle crash sparked by an alleged intoxicated driver in Cathedral City killed another motorist, authorities said Monday.

Angel Torres,21, was arrested after the incident on suspicion of DUI and fleeing the scene, according to Cathedral City Police. He is being held on $75,000 bail in the John Benoit Detention Center, awaiting charges of felony hit and run and DUI causing bodily injury.

According to the Cathedral City Police Department, Torres was driving northbound on Date Palm Drive when it made an unsafe turn into the southbound lanes and struck two other vehicles.

Shortly before 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Cathedral City officials were called to the crash scene at Date Palm Drive, south of Varner Road. Arriving paramedics found the woman, a driver of one of the involved vehicles, had already succumbed to her injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that made the unsafe turning movement, later identified as Torres, fled the scene but was later apprehended at the Desert Regional Medical Center. It was unclear if he was also injured in the collision.

Torres was booked into Riverside County John Benoit Detention Center, a police statement said. "The driver arrested was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or narcotics."

Cathedral City police urged anyone with information regarding the crash to call them at 760-770-0300. Calls can also be made anonymously through Coachella Valley Crime Stoppers by calling 760-341-7867, or through the WeTip hotline at 800-782-7463 or www.wetip.com.