Suspected DUI Driver Seriously Injured in Thermal Traffic Collision

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THERMAL, Calif. – A drunk driver was seriously injured after causing a traffic collision in Thermal on Friday.

At around 5:35 a.m., a two-vehicle traffic collision occurred in the area of 66th Avenue near State Route 86. Miguel Rafael, 51, of Mecca, was driving a 1995 GMC Sonoma eastbound on 66th Avenue toward SR-86. Terry Stowels, 67, of Indian Wells was driving a 2014 GMC Sierra eastbound on 66th Avenue and was stopped at the red light at the intersection with SR-86. For reasons that remain under investigation, the driver of the Sonoma failed to stop and slammed into the back of the Sierra.

The driver of the Sierra was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision and sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision. Miguel Rafael was arrested at the scene for suspicion of drunk driving. He was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center with major injuries.

The collision remains under investigation, anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Ponce at 760-772-5300.