Man Arrested on Fifth DUI: Banning PD

A Rialto man was arrested Sunday on his fifth DUI offense after he fled the scene of a traffic collision in Banning, police said.

The collision was reported shortly after 2 p.m. at 22nd and Ramsey streets in Banning, said Banning police Officer Everett Babcock.

Babcock located the victim in the "am pm" gas and convenience store parking lot.

The victim said the driver of a silver Dodge pickup backed into his vehicle, got out and then fled when the other driver said he was going to contact police, Babcock said.

Another motorist followed the Dodge pickup to Ruby's Diner near Morongo Casino in Cabazon, Babcock said.

Police found a loaded .44-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver in the pickup and a box of ammunition, Babcock said.

Lee Everett Edwards, 41, was taken into custody and eventually arrested on suspicion of DUI, hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license for DUI, multiple DUI warrants, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of live ammunition, Babcock said.

Edwards' fourth DUI offense was a felony and he'd spent 16 months in state prison for that offense, Babcock said.

Edwards remained locked up Friday at Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning. His bail was $10,000, according to inmate records.