A 65-year-old Colorado woman was arrested Friday on suspicion of hit-and-run and driving under the influence of prescription drugs in connection with two crashes in Indian Wells east of Palm Desert, a sheriff's sergeant said.
The first crash was reported about 9 a.m. Jan. 25 in the area of Highway 111 and Indian Wells Lane, Sgt. Dave Adams of the Palm Desert Station said in a statement.
The driver, Holly Russell of Castle Rock, Colo., allegedly turned off the 111 to Indian Wells Lane and struck a decorative water fountain near the main entry to properties that include the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Aqua Serena Spa and the Indian Wells Resort, according to Adams.
"After this collision, she continued to drive through the property and turned back onto eastbound Highway 111," Adams said. "A witness followed her eastbound on Highway 111."
The witness remained in contact with 911 dispatchers and provided details of Russell's alleged driving actions and their current location, Adams said.
"While traveling on Highway 111, Mrs. Russell struck another vehicle and continued eastbound into the city of La Quinta," Adams said. "An Indian Wells motor officer was able to locate Russell within the city of La Quinta, where he conducted his investigation."
There was extensive damage to the private property but no one was injured in either crash, Adams said.
"The officer evaluated Russell and determined she was driving under the influence of prescription medications," Adams said.
Russell was arrested and booked at the Riverside County Jail in Indio on suspicion of hit-and-run and driving under the influence of drugs, Adams said.
Russell's hometown of Castle Rock is on Interstate 25 between Denver and Colorado Springs.
Anyone with more information about this chain of events was urged to call Officer Lugo at the Indian Wells Police Department, (760) 836-1600.
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