Crime & Safety

Multi-Vehicle Crash Sends Five People to Hospitals, Motorist Accused of DUI

A multi-vehicle crash in La Quinta sent five people to hospitals Wednesday and a motorist was accused of driving under the influence, a sheriff's corporal said.

The crash was reported just after 1:20 p.m. Nov. 6 at the intersection of Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive, Cpl. Don Olson of the La Quinta Police Department said in a statement.

Deputies and firefighters responded and a total of seven people in three vehicles were injured, according to Mark Annas of Cal Fire-Riverside County.

Five patients were transported via ground ambulance to area hospitals, four with moderate injuries, one with minor injuries, Annas said in a statement. Two other people involved in the crash declined treatment.

Deputies determined Enrique Meza, 23, of Palm Springs, was southbound on Washington and crossed into oncoming lanes at the intersection with Fred Waring, Olson said.

"Meza collided head-on into a vehicle which was stopped in the northbound turn lane," Olson said. "The force of this collision caused the two vehicles involved to collide into other nearby vehicles causing minor damage."

None of the injuries sustained in the crash appeared life-threatening, Olson said.

"It does appear alcohol was a factor in this collision and Meza is currently being treated for his injuries before being booked into the Riverside County jail in Indio," Olson said Wednesday afternoon.

Traffic was delayed at the intersection of Washington and Fred Waring for about two hours during the course of the investigation, Olson said.

The crash occurred the same afternoon a coalition of elected leaders, law enforcement and residents met at Coachella City Hall to highlight efforts to reduce impaired driving in the Coachella Valley.

Anyone with more info about the crash was urged to call the La Quinta Traffic Team at (760) 863-8990.


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