The Desert Sun reports that a 38-year-old Coachella man was arrested for his role in a crash that killed one man and left another man seriously injured.
According to a statement issued by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a report of a major traffic collision at the intersection of Avenue 51 and Chiapas Street on Tuesday at approximately 8:15 p.m.
Sgt. Tom Anderson of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department told reporters that deputies from the Thermal sheriff’s station arrived at the scene; deputies found a gray BMW sedan and a blue Toyota Camry. Both vehicles had sustained heavy damage.
“Upon their arrival at the scene, deputies found two occupants of one vehicle with major injuries and began life-saving measures. The driver of the second vehicle was uninjured,” Sgt. Anderson said. “One of the injured parties succumbed to his injuries at the scene, and the other was transported to a local hospital for additional medical treatment.”
The alleged DUI driver was identified as Antonio Tellez Leon of Coachella. He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, violation of probation, and driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury.
Tellez was booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio.
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the crash to contact Deputy Esteban Molina of the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at (760) 863-8990. Those wishing to remain anonymous may submit a tip to Valley Crime at (800) 782-7463
