Crime & Safety
Police: Suspected Drunk Woman Distracted by Phone Causes Three Car Collision
Police believe the root of an Indian Wells multi-vehicle crash was not only one, but two, road illegal activities.
A suspected drunken driver, distracted by her cellphone, caused a three-car crash on Highway 111 in Indian Wells, deputies said Saturday.
Darlene Arsenault, 57, of Bermuda Dunes, was allegedly heading east on Highway 111 Friday night. Her Hyundai Electra smacked into a stopped Nissan Ultima, which in turn hit a Dodge Charger, Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Patrick Carroll said.
"The driver admitted to diverting her attention to her cellular phone which caused the vehicle to rear end a Nissan Ultima," he said.
Find out what's happening in Palm Desertwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The chain reaction was at the red left turn signal from eastbound Highway 111 to Manitou Drive at 7:58 p.m. Friday.
The driver of the Ultima was taken to a hospital for treatment of neck pain.
Find out what's happening in Palm Desertwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Arsenault was arrested for suspicion of drunken driving. She posted $2,500 bail and was released Saturday, jail records showed.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
