(La Quinta, CA) Two children were seriously injured Friday night, October 10, in a Highway 111 collision after being struck by a vehicle while riding their bikes across the roadway, authorities said.
The crash occurred around 9:05 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 111 and Adams Street, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies arrived to find two young cyclists suffering from major injuries. Paramedics came soon after and transported them to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Officials said the driver fled before deputies arrived, but authorities located the suspect later and taken into custody. The suspect, identified as Jose Villegas Orbe, 47, of Palm Springs, is suspected of being under the influence at the time of the crash and is also believed to have been involved in a separate hit-and-run in Indian Wells earlier that evening.
Orbe, who was previously on probation for driving under the influence, was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on $7,500 bail and is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.
Perspective on the Highway 111 Collision
Collisions involving pedestrians or bicyclists and impaired drivers are among the most devastating roadway incidents. In the Highway 111 collision, investigators will focus on the driver’s level of impairment, his previous record, and the decisions that led to this crash.
The central law in such cases is California Vehicle Code 23152. This makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Violating this law can result in criminal penalties and civil liability, particularly when the driver’s actions cause injury to others.
Because the driver fled the scene, the Hit-and-Run Statute also applies. It requires anyone involved in an injury crash to stop, provide identification, and render aid. Failing to do so is a felony when the crash results in serious injuries or death.
If investigators determine that speed contributed to the severity of the collision, the Basic Speed Law could apply. It mandates driving at a speed that is reasonable for the conditions, especially important along Highway 111.
Support for the Families
If you are related to the children involved in the Highway 111 collision, you have every right to seek answers and support. You can request a copy of the official sheriff’s report once the investigation concludes. You should also speak with a personal injury attorney who specializes in DUI and hit-and-run cases.
It may also help to contact the Riverside County Victim Services Division, which offers counseling, guidance, and financial assistance to help families manage medical and emotional recovery after serious crashes.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
