Palm Springs man injured in police pursuit reportedly flees hospital, steals car, leads police on second pursuit
Photo: Palm Springs Police Department
A Palm Springs man has been arrested on suspicion of a slew of crimes, including stealing propane tanks and multiple vehicle thefts and pursuits.
Police say 48-year-old Christopher Wilson was initially suspected of stealing fourteen propane tanks from a business on E. Tahquitz Canyon Drive on January 12th. Surveillance video recorded him and his truck at the scene, and he was later positively identified after a separate incident the following night.
On that night, January 13, Wilson is accused of then leading officers on a pursuit the following night, ultimately crashing his truck into a fence in Cabazon.
Police say that the next day, Wilson — who was still in hospital being treated for an injury sustained in the crash — fled the hospital, stole another car from the valet parking area, and fled into the desert, where the vehicle became stuck.
From there Wilson reportedly tried to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended.
He remains in custody on suspicion of theft of a vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, petty theft, and other charges.
