Man Arrested After Leading Deputies on Pursuit and Injuring Baby in Thermal

In a recent incident in Thermal, a 34-year-old man has been arrested after leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash, resulting in injuries to a baby. Christopher Gonzalez, the suspect, pleaded not guilty to multiple felonies in court on Tuesday.

The Pursuit and Crash

The pursuit took place last Thursday, starting from Highway 111 in La Quinta/Indio and ending in Thermal. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when deputies spotted Gonzalez, a wanted felon, in the 78000 block of Highway 111 near the border of La Quinta and Indio.

Deputies attempted to stop Gonzalez’s vehicle, but he failed to yield, leading to a high-speed chase. The pursuit finally came to a halt when Gonzalez crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of Fillmore Street and 66th Avenue in Thermal.

Injuries and Arrest

As a result of the crash, a baby suffered moderate injuries, while the occupants of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries. After the collision, Gonzalez fled from his vehicle and attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby canal. However, law enforcement officers quickly apprehended him.

Legal Charges

Christopher Gonzalez has been charged with several felonies, including reckless evading of a peace officer, child endangerment, and hit-and-run with injury. During his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is currently being held without bail at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio and is scheduled to appear in court again on January 25.

Continuing Updates

Stay tuned to News Channel 3 for the latest updates on this incident. We will provide you with the most recent information as it becomes available.

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