Driving Under the Influence Fatal Traffic Collision

Last Updated on January 14, 2023 by

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Don Olson

File # T230130012

Details:

Alberto Lopez

On January 13, 2023, about 2:33 am, deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff Station responded to a call of a traffic collision at the intersection Country Club Dr. and Cook St. in Palm Desert. Upon arrival, deputies determined the driver and sole occupant of one vehicle was deceased. The other driver and sole occupant, Alberto Lopez, 26 years of Coachella, showed signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested. A records check indicated Alberto Lopez has prior convictions for driving under the influence.

The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Traffic Team responded to the location of the collision and assumed the investigation. The investigation revealed a burgundy Dodge Durango, driven by Lopez, was traveling eastbound on Country Club Dr. at a high rate of speed. Lopez collided into the rear of a red Hyundai Elantra which was stopped on Country Club Dr. at the intersection of Cook St.

The traffic collision investigation required the temporary closure of all lanes of travel of Country Club Dr and Cook St. The roadway has been reopened.

Alberto Lopez was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio on charges of PC 187 – Murder and is being held on $1,000,000 bail.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Deputy Claro Sanchez of the Palm Desert Station at 760-836-1600.

Persons who wish to report criminal activity and wish to remain anonymous can call crime stoppers at 800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463) or 800-47-DRUGS (800-473-7847). You can also leave anonymous information on our Crime Tips Online Form.

If you are interested in a career with us, please apply at joinrsd.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD


Please accept our sincerest condolences. As you navigate this deeply difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you, the victims and their loved ones who died in roadway tragedies.

While you take care of yourself and your family, let the legal team at Rafii & Associates, P.C. fight for you. Our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience extracting multi-million dollar settlements from the largest insurance companies. If you or your loved ones were harmed by an auto accident, call us today for a free evaluation of your case: 1-800-262-9885. Hablamos Español, para asistencia inmediata, llámenos.


Free Evaluation


If you or a family member suffered injuries in an auto crash, the award-winning team of personal injury attorneys at Rafii & Associates, P.C. will review your case free of charge. Simply fill out the form below or give us a call toll free at 1-855-468-4482.

Hablamos Español, para asistencia inmediata, llámenos: 1-855-468-4482.

Scroll to Top