Palm Springs, CA
The Palm Springs Police Department responded to two separate pedestrian-involved traffic incidents on Tuesday, February 27th, prompting investigations by law enforcement officials.
The first incident occurred at approximately 7:35 pm on the 400 block of E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. PSPD officers were dispatched following reports of a hit and run vehicle/pedestrian collision. The investigation revealed a vehicle traveling southbound on Calle Encilia struck a pedestrian within the crosswalk, while turning eastbound onto E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Fortunately, the victim sustained only minor injuries. Subsequently, PSPD officers located the suspected vehicle, with collision damage, at the intersection of E. Vista Chino and N. Gene Autry Trail. The 68-year-old driver from Joshua Tree was arrested and booked into the Indio jail on charges of felony hit and run.
The second incident happened just before 10:00 pm at the intersection of Sunrise Way and E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Our officers responded to reports of another hit and run collision, involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, it was determined the victim had succumbed to their injuries. The vehicle involved was discovered nearby, and the driver returned to the scene. Based on the investigation, it was found the 55-year-old man had been lying in the roadway prior to being struck. The PSPD Traffic Division, in conjunction with the coroner’s office, conducted further investigation leading to the conclusion that the incident appears to be a suicide.