Alleged Drunk Driver Hits CHP Patrol Car

Note to self: bad idea to drive drunk. Even worse idea: hit a patrol car when driving drunk.

An allegedly inebriated driver slammed his sedan into a CHP patrol unit and a disabled vehicle that had crashed on Interstate 10 during heavy rainfall.

The accident occurred just before 10 a.m. Thursday on eastbound I-10, west of Golf Center Parkway, said California Highway Patrol Officer Ramon Perez.

Officers James Moran and Miguel Diaz were on the scene of an earlier crash of a Ford Mustang that had slammed into the center divider when the Lexus slid out of control and rear-ended the CHP car and the Mustang, according to Perez.

The driver of the Lexus, Gordon Wilson, was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment of major injuries, the officer said. He was to be arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Perez said.

The officers -- who were inside the patrol unit when it was hit -- suffered minor injuries, and the driver of the Mustang, a 30-year-old Cathedral City woman, escaped injury.

Reports indicate Wilson's car may have hydroplaned due to heavy rain, Perez said.

He reminded motorist to use caution when driving in the rain.

"Please drive at a speed which is reasonable, considering weather and traffic conditions on the road," Perez said.
 

Copyright City News Service / NBC Los Angeles

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