A 24-year-old man suspected of leading deputies on a pursuit that culminated in a fiery collision at a gas station in Indio is now facing felony charges. Zeus Rico, a resident of Desert Hot Springs, has been charged with two counts of resisting an officer, as well as one count each of eluding a pursuing officer, evading arrest, and cruelty to an animal. Rico’s arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at the Larson Justice Center.
The incident began just before 3 a.m. on Saturday, when an officer tried to stop Rico’s 2019 Honda Civic for running a red light at the intersection of East Palm Canyon and Van Fleet Street. According to Sgt. Daniel Anes of the Cathedral City Police Department, Rico ignored the officer’s command and sped away, initiating a pursuit that took them onto Highway 111 and eventually to Indio. During the chase, Rico repeatedly swerved into oncoming traffic while maintaining a high speed.
“After the pursuit was terminated, the suspect continued to travel for another 3.5 miles before losing control of his vehicle near the intersection of Indio Boulevard and Van Buren Street,” stated Anes. “The suspect crashed into two gas pumps at the Sinclair Gas Station.”
The collision caused a fire that was contained to the vehicle and the two gas pumps. It was swiftly extinguished by the local fire department. Rico was briefly hospitalized for evaluation before being arrested once medically cleared. He was found to be driving with a suspended license and had a previous arrest for DUI. Fortunately, Rico’s dog, who was also in the vehicle, was unharmed and has been taken to a nearby animal shelter for safekeeping,” Anes added.
According to inmate records, Rico is currently held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on a $100,000 bail.
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