Full Notification

The Palm Springs Police Department is seeking witnesses to the fatal traffic collision that occurred in the early morning hours this past Saturday. The collision occurred at the intersection of Sunrise Way and Tahquitz Canyon Way at approximately 1:52 AM on Saturday, October 17, 2015. 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, 58 year old Palm Springs resident Homayon Moaven, died at the scene. A small dog inside of Moaven's vehicle was injured and was transported to an emergency animal hospital where it remains in stable condition. 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. 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. PSPD has received information that there was at least one possible witness to this collision, however, that person did not stay at the scene and was not interviewed. PSPD 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). Suspect Information: Erwin Manolo Monterroso, 21 years old, Indio, CA AKA- Monterroso Alvarez Alleged Violations: 23153 (a)(b) V.C. DUI w/ Injuries- Felony 12022.1(a) P.C. Commit Felony while out of custody on Bail or O.R.- Felony 1203.2(a) P.C. Probation Violation- Misdemeanor