Driver Arrested for Causing Fiery Hit-and-Run Crash

Jun 06,2017

A drunk driver who caused a fiery hit-and-run crash in Coachella last December has been arrested. Police arrested 20-year-old Daniela Montano in Thermal Sunday in connection with the Dec. 23 crash.

According to police, the Bermuda Dunes resident was driving a silver Honda Accord east on Avenue 50 when she crashed into a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling north on State Route 86. The Jeep then caught fire. Its driver, Jesus Mendez, suffered injuries including a broken foot, ankle and finger.

Fiery Hit-and-Run Crash Suspect Destroyed Evidence

Sheriff’s deputies say Montano refused to provide them a statement. She then fled the scene on foot. Authorities found her hiding behind concrete pillars a little ways from the crash scene. Montano was then taken to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, where her blood was drawn to test her blood-alcohol level. Police say the suspect then broke the vials open, destroying the evidence.

Authorities have charged Montana with drunken driving causing injury, hit-and-run, and destroying evidence. She is being held at Riverside County jail in Indio.

“Someone reckless enough to not only cause this crash, but also run away and destroy evidence, has no business being behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.