Vehicle Collision: Man was arrested for DUI driving in Vista Chino

March 15, 2011

Palm Spring – The police have arrested a drunk driver believed to be responsible for injuring at least five persons, including two children following a collision accident in Vista Chino recently, reports said.

According to Sgt. Marc Melanson with the Palm Springs Police Department, the accident happened just before 4 p.m. on Vista Chino near Avenida Roberto Miguel.

Police said one vehicle, driven by a German named Edgar Thiemes, was going west on Vista Chino and made a left turn to go south on Roberto Miguel, while the other vehicle, driven by Joy Moran, was going east on Vista Chino when they collided at the intersection. Moran's vehicle then struck the block wall of a nearby residence before overturning, said Melanson.

The injured children and Moran were brought to the hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

Thiemes and his female passenger sustained serious injuries and were also brought to the hospital by ambulance. Traffic investigators are trying to determine the cause of the said collision as they temporarily closed the road for several hours after the collision.

A driving under the influence (DUI) charge is one of the most common felony charges that may be filed against an individual in California. For first offense, the penalties can be serious-including license suspension, fines of almost $2,000, mandatory attendance at State or DMV-approved alcohol programs, and potential jail time. In addition, a DUI conviction stays on your DMV record for at least 7 years, and may result in higher insurance premiums.