A 44-year-old Coachella resident is in custody for failing to pull over and allegedly driving under the influence of narcotics.
Francisco Romero was driving erratically near Avenue 54 and Cesar Chavez Street during the afternoon of Sept. 20 when members of the Coachella Community Action Team (CCAT) attempted to stop him, a report issued by Sgt, Mariano Matos III of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said.
“Based on the suspect’s driving actions, CCAT members believed the driver was operating a motor vehicle while impaired,” the report said. “The vehicle failed to stop for deputies and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The pursuit lasted less than one minute and ended when the suspect vehicle stopped in a dirt lot at Shady Lane and Avenida Del Prado.”
Matos reports deputies discovered Romero discarded a loaded handgun and two extended magazine during the brief pursuit. The gun and magazines were recovered and seized by authorities.
Romero was detained without incident and booked at the John Benoit Detention Center. The suspect was found to have an active felony warrant for his arrest due to narcotic sales. He is being charged with driving under the influence, evading arrest, felon in possession of a loaded firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and a felony warrant.
Anyone who has information pertaining to the incident may contact Dep. Piscatella or Dep. Perez of Thermal Station at 760-863-8990 or Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP (7867).