DUI suspect who crashed into CHP unit earlier this month pleads not guilty to multiple felony counts
Julia Castro
UPDATE 10/31/25 – The driver of the car that collided with the CHP unit in Palm Desert on October 10 pled not guilty on Friday to multiple felony charges connected with the crash.
A felony complaint was filed against 22-year-old suspect Jose Huitron Rueda on October 17, with charges including evading arrest, DUI causing bodily injury, and driving on the wrong side of a divided highway resulting in injury.
Huitron Rueda pled not guilty to all charges at his court appearance on October 31, and is due back in court on November 12th.
The CHP encourages anyone with information regarding the crash to call the Indio CHP office at (760) 772-5300.
UPDATE 10/30/25 – CHP reports that both officers continue to do well, and all surgeries are complete. One officer has been moved from the hospital to rehabilitation, and the other officer is due to be released from the hospital soon.
UPDATE 10/11/25 12:00 PM – CHP confirming both officers involved in Friday morning’s DUI crash underwent surgery Friday and are doing well.
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Two California Highway Patrol officers and a 22-year-old Thermal man were seriously injured early Friday morning after a head-on crash involving a suspected DUI driver on Interstate 10.
The collision happened around 12:55 a.m., according to CHP investigators. Two on-duty officers were responding to a crime in progress when their patrol car exited the westbound I-10 at Washington Street. At the same time, a Toyota Corolla entered the same off-ramp heading the wrong direction eastbound in the westbound lanes and collided head-on with the CHP Dodge Charger.
CHP says both officers sustained major injuries and were taken to Desert Regional Medical Center. The driver of the Toyota, a 22-year-old man from Thermal, also suffered major injuries and was taken to the same hospital.
Investigators determined alcohol impairment was a contributing factor in the crash. The driver was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence and could face additional charges once the investigation is complete.
As of Friday morning, the westbound I-10 exit ramp at Washington Street remained closed while officers continued their investigation.
News Channel Three will keep you updated on the conditions of the officers involved and the suspect throughout the days.