Two 18-year-old men were arrested on DUI-related charges after a vehicle they were in crashed into a fire hydrant in Desert Hot Springs, police said Tuesday.
Russell Lee Rhoden was booked on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run, and Donovan Anthony Ross Jr. was booked on suspicion of DUI, according to the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.
Bail information was not immediately available.
Officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run collision involving a vehicle striking a fire hydrant at 2:10 p.m. Monday. Police said a reporting party witnessed a vehicle occupied by three men flee the area on Hacienda Avenue.
A detective spotted a vehicle matching the description allegedly “driving erratically at high speeds” near Mesquite and Flora avenues. A traffic stop was conducted, and authorities say police confirmed it was the suspect’s vehicle.
Rhoden was suspected of crashing the vehicle into the hydrant while impaired and Ross, who was also allegedly intoxicated, took control of the vehicle sometime during the incident, the department stated.
Both men were arrested. No injuries were reported.
Cal Fire and Mission Springs Water District crews responded to the scene to manage the damaged fire hydrant and later mitigated the water flow, the department stated.

It’s concerning to see young individuals getting arrested for DUI-related charges, especially at just 18 years old. I hope this serves as a wake-up call to others in the community. see here
It’s disheartening to hear about the rise of DUI incidents among young adults, especially when it leads to reckless behavior like crashing into a fire hydrant. I really hope those involved reflect on their actions and it sparks a broader conversation about responsible driving in the community. related tool
It’s alarming to see an 18-year-old getting arrested for DUI and hit-and-run after crashing into a fire hydrant. This incident highlights the need for better education about the dangers of drunk driving among young people. Hopefully, this will encourage discussion about responsible choices in our community and the consequences that can arise from poor decisions. recommended