Driver in Suspected Chase Arrested, Police Say

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- A 34-year-old Cathedral City man suspected of leading police on a chase through Palm Springs and Cathedral City in a stolen Volkswagen Rabbit is in custody, police said Tuesday.

Randy Rightmire was arrested when the stolen 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit he was driving the wrong way on Dinah Shore Drive crashed into two vehicles about 5 p.m. Monday, injuring himself and the other motorists, Palm Springs police Sgt. Mitch Spike said.

Police responding to a bank alarm on Ramon Road spotted the Volkswagen, which was reported stolen on Feb. 15 from a guest at the Dolce Vita Resort at 1491 Via Soledad, Spike said.

As the officers tried to stop the car, the driver accelerated east on Ramon Road toward Cathedral City, he said.

The sergeant said the motorist turned onto Dinah Shore Drive and drove into oncoming traffic.

"As he accelerated away, against traffic, over the bridge, he collided with two eastbound vehicles, causing major damage to the Volkswagen," Spike said. Two other motorists suffered minor injuries. 

Rightmire, who has a history of vehicle theft, suffered head injuries and was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he was treated, then jailed. He was booked on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless evading and driving with a suspended license, Spike said.

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