One person was killed and another suffered injuries when the vehicle they were traveling in was struck from behind by a suspected drunk driver in Palm Springs early Sunday morning.
According to a news release from Palm Springs police, a 56-year-old male passenger of a vehicle that was struck along Highway 111 near Gateway Drive died at approximately 1:30 a.m. A female driver was was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Police said both vehicles were traveling in the same direction when the suspect vehicle rear ended the victim vehicle at a very high rate of speed.
Further identifying information about the victim has not been released.
The driver of the suspect vehicle was identified as a 34-year-old Whitewater man with a previous out-of-state DUI arrest. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries and is expected to be jailed on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) upon release. Police said he could face murder charges.
If you were a witness to this collision, police ask that you contact the PSPD Traffic Division at 760-323-8125. Anonymous information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 760-347-7867.