Author: KESQ

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Indio police arrested one motorist on suspicion of driving under the influence and issued 41 citations during a DUI enforcement sweep in the city, authorities said today.

The crackdown occurred Friday, and police noted that drivers convicted of a first-time DUI offense can face about $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended license.

“We are committed to taking impaired drivers off the road,” the Indio Police Department said in a statement. “Driving under the influence is not only dangerous but also has major consequences.”

The program was funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

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Allie Anthony

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – As summer comes to a close, the Palm Springs Police Department is reminding drivers to stay safe and sober behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 1,200 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2023.

Palm Springs Police officers are increasing patrols and watching for signs of impaired driving. Drivers are urged to use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transportation if they plan to drink. Driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana and prescription medications, is also illegal and dangerous.

Police also remind everyone to buckle up, follow speed limits, and stay alert especially with more people out enjoying the final days of summer.

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Shay Lawson

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – About 8% of U.S. veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD at some point of their lives according to current estimates by Hill and Ponton a leading law firm.

The firm says that percentage is possibly higher among those who served in recent conflicts or are registered with the VA, which repots 7% of veterans will have PTSD.

In the Coachella Valley Custom Canines, a nonprofit, is working to provide support to Veterans and other individuals living with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

For anyone interested in more information about the organization, contact Bob@customcanines.org.

Stay with News Channel 3 at 10 and 11 p.m. to hear from the organization and a patient.

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Garrett Hottle

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) Investigators “cannot rule out foul play” in the disappearance of 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro after finding “inconsistencies” in the child’s mother’s statement, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a press release.

Deputies were dispatched at 7:47 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 to a retail business in Yucaipa after the child’s mother, Rebecca Haro, reported she was physically assaulted by an unknown male and rendered unconscious while she stood outside her vehicle changing her child’s diaper; when she awoke, Emmanuel was gone, the department said.

Deputies and K-9 units from San Bernardino and Riverside counties responded and began an extensive search, but Emmanuel was not located, according to the department.

Based on the circumstances, the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division responded and assisted with the case, the department said. Investigators interviewed multiple individuals, including Emmanuel’s parents, Jake and Rebecca Haro, the department said.

During those interviews, Rebecca was confronted with inconsistencies in her initial statement and declined to continue with the interview, the department said. At this point in the investigation, investigators are unable to rule out foul play in Emmanuel’s disappearance, according to the department.

Investigators will continue their investigation to locate Emmanuel Haro, the department said.

This is a developing story. News Channel 3 will update you with new information as soon as we get it.

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Timothy Foster

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is back open after being closed for more than a week due to electrical issues.

The shutdown began Friday, August 8, when technicians discovered a malfunctioning motor contactor, a component that provides power between the tram drive and motor. Repairs were delayed while crews located the replacement part. Once installed, the tramway underwent testing before reopening on Saturday.

The reopening comes just weeks before the tramway’s scheduled annual maintenance closure. The last day of operation will be September 7, with reopening planned for October 13. Projects during the closure will include replacing one of the tram’s cables, repainting, repaving, and other refurbishments.

The tramway is now running on its regular schedule, operating daily from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy cooler mountain temperatures, hiking trails, restaurants, gift shops, and scenic views.

August has also been designated as First Responders Month at the tramway. Free admission for police, fire, and EMT personnel, along with discounted entry for up to four guests, has been extended through September 7 to account for time lost during the closure.

Several seasonal events are scheduled in the coming months, including the annual Tram Road Challenge in October, the debut of an Autumn Fest celebration, and the snow guessing contest beginning October 1.

For more information, visit pstramway.com.

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Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – A traffic collision in Indio left two people injured Sunday afternoon.

CAL FIRE said the crash happened at Clinton St. and Miles Ave. just after 12 p.m.

Courtesy: Esmeralda Orozco

Firefighters responded to the two-vehicle traffic collision where one pedestrian was pinned after the car left the roadway. Crews successfully extricated the patient.

First responders said one patient with serious injuries and another patient with minor injuries were transported to a local hospital.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates in this developing story.

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Shay Lawson

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – About 8% of U.S. veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD at some point of their lives according to current estimates by Hill and Ponton a leading law firm.

The firm says that percentage is possibly higher among those who served in recent conflicts or are registered with the VA, which repots 7% of veterans will have PTSD.

In the Coachella Valley Custom Canines, a nonprofit, is working to provide support to Veterans and other individuals living with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Stay with News Channel 3 at 10 and 11 p.m. to hear from the organization and a patient.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kendall Flynn

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The cost of food, including at home and away from home, is up 9.4% on the year, according to the Consumer Price Index. Valley residents told News Channel 3 the spike it causing them to be more conscious of their spending.

“It’s just going with the flow right now and just budgeting and spending for what you need,” Randy Lamere, a Thousand Palms resident, said.

Residents said some grocery items have remained consistent but certain foods they purchase regularly are rising, including beef. The Department of Agriculture reports the cost of beef is rising, with it now retailing for $9.26 per pound.

The Consumer Price Index also shows steak and ground beef prices are up 12.4% and 10.3%, respectively. Lamere has noticed these prices, but said it also depends on where you shop.

“I can go here [Walmart] and I can buy a tri-tip and it’s like 30 bucks,” He said. “But if I go out to Indio to Winco it’s $15. You learn after a while of what’s what. And you know, if I want to have a tri-tip I’ll go out there. It’s no big deal.” 

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more from residents on the impacts on rising costs.

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Isaiah Mora

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A motorcycle rider has died after a major traffic collision according to the Desert Hot Springs police department.

Authorities said just after 7 a.m. on Saturday officers responded to the intersection of Palm Drive and Dillion Road.

The collision involved a motorcycle and a vehicle.

First responders said the motorcycle rider sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on scene. The driver and passenger of the car sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

Based on preliminary information, it appears that alcohol was not a factor in the collision according to the Desert Hot Springs Police Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) who has assumed the investigation.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact MAIT Investigator Sergeant Chris Saucier at csaucier@dhspd.com or Corporal Sean McGuire at smcguire@dhspd.com or 760-329-2904.

Officials tell News Channel 3 Southbound Palm Drive from Dillon Road will be closed for the next several hours during the investigation.

Officials ask residents to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

Stay with us for the latest on this developing story.

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Tori King

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– Democrats of the Desert is hosting a ‘Protect our Checks – Hands Off Our Social Security’ sidewalk rally, Saturday, the 16th.

The rally will run from 9-10 AM, on the sidewalk in front of the Social Security Administration building in Palm Springs, 4201 Ramon Rd. According to the organization, the rally is being held 2 days after the 90th anniversary of Social security. 

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