COD Trustee Arrested for DUI, Again

COD Trustee Ruben Perez Arrested Sunday for Drunken Driving

INDIO —For the second time in three years, COD Trustee Rubén AríAztlán Pérez has been arrested for drunken driving, according to jail records.

In a text message to Uken Report, Perez wrote, “After deep reflection, I am entering a professional treatment program to address alcoholism and depression. I’m taking an immediate leave of absence from my public responsibilities.

“Serving as a College of the Desert trustees and the County have been a tremendous honor, and I am committed to getting healthy and returning stronger personally and professionally.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to my family, colleagues, and constituents. I respectfully ask for privacy and prayers as I focus on my recovery.”

The California Highway Patrol arrested Perez, 32, at Country Club Drive and Washington Street about 12:09 a.m. for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of alcohol. He was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center. His next court date is set for Aug.5 at 7:30 a.m. at the Indio Larson Justice Center.

The Area 1 Trustee is up for reelection in November. He has not yet publicly said whether he will seek re-election in November. His father, Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, is seeking a third term in the June  statewide Primary election.

Pérez was first arrested on Feb. 10, 2024, for driving under the influence and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center. At that time, the judge sentenced him to four days in custody with one day actual and one day credit so a balance of two days which was ordered to be served in a work-release program on or before June 14.

Pérez is currently employed in Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez’s office. The supervisor was not immediately available for comment.

The judge also sentenced the defendant to 36 months of summary probation, according to Hall. Probation terms include enrolling in and satisfactorily completing a first-offender DUI program for nine months, which must be completed by July 18, 2025.

COD Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia declined to comment on Perez’s arrest.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Photo: Illustration from Shutterstock