PSPD Seeking Witnesses to Fatal Traffic Collision
On Saturday, October 17, 2015, at approximately 1:52 AM, PSPD was dispatched to an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Sunrise Way and Tahquitz Canyon Way. The preliminary investigation revealed that a white 2006 Mazda pickup truck, driven by Suspect-Erwin Monterroso, was traveling eastbound on Tahquitz Canyon Way towards Sunrise Way. A light green 2013 Toyota Prius was traveling northbound on Sunrise Way towards Tahquitz Canyon Way. The vehicles collided in the intersection in a broadside collision. The driver and lone occupant of the Toyota Prius died at the scene of the traffic collision. Suspect-Monterroso and a 21 year old male passenger in the Mazda pickup sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital. PSPD had probable cause to believe that Monterroso was driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the collision. The cause of the collision remains under investigation and the intersection will be closed during the investigation at the scene until approximately 11:00 AM. Weather conditions do not appear to be a factor at this time. Monterroso was treated and released from a local hospital and was arrested for felony violations of driving under the influence causing injuries, committing a felony while out of custody on bail, and for violating the terms of his probation. Monterroso will be transported to the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility later this morning. Additional violations are under review pending the outcome of the investigation. The name of the decedent will be released by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department- Coroner's Bureau at a later time. The Palm Springs Police Department is asking anybody with information this collision or who witnessed this collision to contact PSPD Traffic Detective E. Goya at 760-323-8125 or Valley Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP (7867).
Address/Location
Palm Springs Police Department
200 S Civic Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
100 N Sunrise Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262