La Quinta Teen In Critical Condition After Hit-and-Run Crash

A 14-year-old La Quinta High School student remains in critical condition after being struck by an allegedly intoxicated driver who fled the scene on October 10.

Liam Cantu was riding his bike with friends near the intersection of Highway 111 and Adams Street around 9:06 p.m. when he and another juvenile were hit by a vehicle, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Both teens sustained major injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

Deputies from the Thermal Sheriff's Station located the suspect vehicle in La Quinta shortly after the collision and detained Jose Villegasorbe, 47, of Palm Springs. Investigators determined Villegasorbe was intoxicated at the time and had also been involved in a hit-and-run collision in Indian Wells, the sheriff's department stated in a press release. Villegasorbe was already on probation for driving under the influence.

He was arrested and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, hit-and-run, and violation of probation.

Teen's Condition and Recovery

Liam has already undergone life-saving brain surgery, which he survived, according to a GiveSendGo fundraising page established by his family. "Liam is tough and competitive, and we can see the fight in his eyes and the determination in his posture every day," his family wrote.

The freshman baseball player had recently made the LQHS team and was looking forward to upcoming games and school activities. "Liam loves baseball and has inspired his coaches and teammates over the years," his family said on the fundraising page.

The family is asking for community support through financial contributions and prayers as Liam continues his recovery. The donation page can be accessed through the fundraising platform GiveSendGo under "Liam's Journey to Recovery."

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy A. Martinez at (760) 863-8990 or call anonymously at (760) 341-7867, referencing incident #LA252830068.