Family speaks out after Palm Springs road rage crash leaves woman critically injured
Luis Avila
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — New details are emerging after a violent four-vehicle crash in Palm Springs that left three people injured, including an innocent driver who remains hospitalized.
The crash happened around 5:20 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, on North Indian Canyon Drive north of Via Escuela.
Palm Springs police initially investigated the collision as a suspected DUI crash. However, investigators now say the crash began as a road rage incident between the drivers of two vehicles. Police allege 30-year-old Gabriel Gutierrez-Roque of Rancho Cucamonga intentionally turned his vehicle toward another driver, triggering the chain-reaction crash involving four vehicles.
Gutierrez-Roque pleaded not guilty Friday to felony charges of DUI and Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Vehicle). He remains in custody on $30,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court Aug. 13 for a felony settlement conference.
One of the victims, Ana Serrano, was not involved in the alleged road rage encounter but was caught in the middle of the crash.
Her son, Marco Serrano, says the family learned about the collision after receiving a call from the hospital.
“I was devastated.” Marco said.
Ana suffered life-threatening injuries, including multiple broken bones, and underwent emergency surgery. Her family says she is now stable but faces a long recovery.
Marco says the crash has taken an emotional and financial toll on the family.
“Between my already daily life of handling work and school and now all of this on top of it… it’s been a very stressful situation but day-by-day,” Marco said.
He also hopes others remember how dangerous aggressive driving can be.
“The person that cut you off or took the red light… it can affect more families than just your own. Drive safe and be conscious of other people because it can be anyone’s family.”
The Serrano family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Ana’s medical expenses and recovery costs.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.