Palm Springs, CA

On Monday, September 9, 2024, at approximately 4:17 PM, an uninvolved individual ordered a ride share for what they believed to be an intoxicated person in downtown Palm Springs. The suspect entered the vehicle and, during the ride, began acting aggressively by kicking the seat and eventually assaulting the driver.

The driver stopped the vehicle in the downtown area, exited the vehicle, and contacted the police. The suspect then moved to the driver’s seat and drove off in the victim’s sedan.

Palm Springs Police officers quickly located the suspect after he lost control of the vehicle near the intersection of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Farrell Drive, where the suspect struck a curb. He continued south, ultimately colliding with a parked vehicle in a construction area. The suspect attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by responding officers.

The suspect was identified as Ted Arnold Meeker, 31, of San Francisco. He was charged with vehicle theft (10851(a) VC), battery (242 PC), resisting arrest (148(a) PC), hit and run (20002(a) VC), and DUI (23152(a)(b) VC). Meeker was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio.