Riverside Sheriff’s Department Patrol unit

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Dipstick Dilip Samaranayake ended up southbound in the northbound lane and behind bars for DUI

Sergeant Clayton Hughes reports that Officers from the Palm Desert Police Department responded to the area of Monterey Ave, north of Frank Sinatra, in the city of Palm Desert, reference a possible traffic collision.  Officers arrived and found a Red Chevrolet truck facing southbound in the northbound lanes.  A second vehicle, a white BMW, found 400 yards north on Monterey, was also involved.

Dilip Samaranayake, 33 from Cathedral City, was seen speeding northbound on Monterey. DUI Palm Desert Police Sept. 30, 2018During the course of the investigation, it was revealed the driver of the BMW, identified as Dilip Samaranayake, 33 from Cathedral City, was seen speeding northbound on Monterey.  His vehicle collided with the truck, causing it to spin and lose control.

Police say that It appears Samaranayake did not initially stop after the collision, but the damage to his vehicle was such that it was no longer drivable. It was also determined that Samaranayake was apparently driving under the influence of alcohol.

He was arrested and a McNealy warrant was issued for a blood test. Samaranayake was taken to a local hospital for an OK to book and subsequently booked at the county jail in Indio.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call the Palm Desert Police Department at (760) 826-1600.

Jose Jimenez, 64 of Coachella, was driving in the area when he collided with another vehicle. Sept. 28, 2018, DUI Coachella Police

Jose Jimenez, 64 of Coachella, was driving in the area when he collided with another vehicle.

Police say that on September 28, 2018, at 5:32 p.m., Coachella Police Officers responded a report of a traffic collision at the intersection of Avenue 52 and Van Buren Street in Coachella. The investigation revealed Jose Jimenez, 64 of Coachella, was driving in the area when he collided with another vehicle.

The other vehicle driver was injured as a result of the collision. The injuries were considered non-life threatening. Jimenez was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol and transported to a local hospital, as a precaution, prior to being booked into the Indio Jail.

The Coachella Police Department would like to remind everyone not to drink and drive.  We are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to contact Officer Yoo at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station by calling 760-863-8990.