A motorist in Cathedral City who fled the scene on foot from a two-vehicle crash that left the other motorist with severe injuries was later located and taken into custody, authorities said Sunday.
The crash occurred at about 10:40 p.m. Saturday in the area of Date Palm Drive and Buddy Rogers Avenue, according to Commander Jon Enos of the Cathedral City Police Department.
Officers arriving at the location found a motorist suffering from severe injuries. Paramedics rushed him to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition, Enos said.
An investigation revealed that the driver who fled the scene was driving south on Date Palm Drive and failed to stop at the light at Buddy Rogers Drive, police said. His vehicle struck the other vehicle, which was turning north on Date Palm Drive from Buddy Rogers Drive.
“The driver at fault, Fermin Melendez-Guerra, failed to stay on scene, call 911 or provide any medical aid to the victim,” Enos said. “He was later located away from the scene and taken into custody without incident. It appears alcohol, drugs or a combination of both are contributing factors in this collision.”
Melendez-Guerra, 46, was arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run and felony DUI. The Cathedral City resident was subsequently transported to the Riverside County Jail in Indio for booking.
Anyone with information about the crash was urged to call the police department at 760-770-0300, or email to tips@cathedralcity.gov.
Anonymous tips can be made to Coachella Valley Crime Stoppers by calling 760-341-7867 (STOP); or through the WeTip hotline at 800-78-CRIME or WWW.WETIP.com.