PALM DESERT — 2013-09-28 — According to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. Dan Devinny, Rancho Mirage deputies responded to a single-vehicle traffic collision with fatal injuries.
A 52-year- old male was driving his 2000 Lexus SUV northbound on Bob Hope when his vehicle veered to the right and struck a high voltage power pole before overturning several times.
Police report that the vehicle came to rest on the raised center median and became engulfed in flames. The driver was pulled from the vehicle by passers-by before being transported to a local hospital. The driver succumbed to his injuries at about 11:30 AM. Police report that alcohol use is believed to be a factor.
The roadway was closed for three hours.
Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed this collision or who may have information are asked to contact Deputy Ubaldo Navarro at the Palm Desert Police Department: 760 836-1600.
DUI Arrest of Stan Barrow
2013-09-28 —Palm Desert Deputies responded to a call of an impaired driver in the area of Hwy 111 and San Pablo. The suspect vehicle was spotted in the area and deputies prepared to make an enforcement stop near Hwy 111 and Lupine. Prior to the enforcement stop, the vehicle collided with a parked vehicle, causing minor damage to both vehicles.
The driver, Stan Barrow, age 58 of Rancho Mirage, was contacted. A series of field sobriety tests were administered and Barrow was subsequently arrested for DUI and booked into the county jail in Indio. No one was injured.
Checkpoint Results:
On Friday, September 27, 2013 beginning at 7:00 PM, the Coachella Police Department conducted a DUI/Safety Checkpoint in the area of Harrison Street and Ave 52, as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to public safety. This checkpoint was one of many checkpoints that have been, or will be conducted throughout the year. The goal of this checkpoint was to raise public awareness regarding the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, while removing impaired drivers from the roadway.
Approximately 1,533 vehicles passed through the checkpoint. Thirty-six vehicles were diverted to secondary screening.
- 9- Drivers were cited for driving without a valid driver’s license
- 1- Driver was cited for driving on a suspended license
- 1- Driver was cited for a hazardous equipment violation
- 1- Vehicle was towed
No drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Statistics show that alcohol and drug impaired driving can lead to serious injury and/or death. The city of Coachella and the Coachella Police Department remain steadfast in its effort of reducing driver-impaired traffic collisions within the city, while increasing public safety and public awareness regarding the dangers of impaired driving.
This checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1!
DUI Arrest of Guy Baumgartner; Rear End Crash
Guy Baumgartner / Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept.
2013-09-28 — According to police, on Friday, September 27, 2013, at about 1:35 p.m., an officer from the La Quinta Police Department responded to a non-injury traffic collision on westbound Highway 111, east of Washington Street, La Quinta.
Investigation revealed the driver of a green Nissan Altima was traveling westbound on Highway 111, and rear-ended a green Buick Century that was stopped in traffic. The Nissan also side swiped a truck that was traveling westbound on Highway 111, east of Washington Street.
A 40-year-old Indio resident named Guy Baumgartner was the driver of the Nissan. No one was injured, but alcohol and drugs were a factor in the collision. Mr. Baumgartner was arrested for driving while intoxicated. He was examined by medical staff before he was booked into the county jail in the city of Indio.
The La Quinta Police Department encourages all drivers not to drink and drive. Please call 911 to report drunk drivers. Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at (760) 863-8990, or they can call in anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867).
