On February 4, 2021, at approximately 1941 hours, DHSPD officers were dispatched to the area of Palm Drive and Twentieth Avenue for a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Based on statements and evidence at the scene, officers determined the driver of a gray Volkswagen SUV, identified as a 69-year-old male resident of Cathedral City, was traveling southbound on Palm Drive. The pedestrian, a 37-year-old male resident of Indio, was walking in the roadway of southbound Palm Drive, pushing a shopping cart. It is unknown if the pedestrian was crossing the road or walking in the middle of the street, but the SUV struck him in the number two (right hand) southbound lane. According to the SUV driver, he did not see the pedestrian until immediately before the collision and was unable to take evasive actions. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the SUV did not sustain any injuries and was transported to the police station. He was later released.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team responded to the scene and is investigating the collision.

Doria Wilms, Assistant City Manager and Public Information Officer for the City of Desert Hot Springs, at (760) 333-0518 or via email at dwilms@cityofdhs.org.