Gang Member Arrested with Loaded Firearm

Juvenile gang member fled officers running through Indio neighborhood

INDIO —A juvenile documented criminal street gang member who was in possession of a loaded firearm was arrested at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 30 following a Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force operation, according to Sgt. Paul Heredia.

Gang Task Force Officers observed the 17-year-old male juvenile who they knew to be on active juvenile probation, near the intersection of Tahquitz Avenue and Rubidoux Street in Indio. When Gang Task Force Officers approached the juvenile, he fled from them running a short distance through the neighborhood before being apprehended by pursuing Gang Task Force Officers. The juvenile was armed with a loaded .45-caliber semi-auto handgun. Gang Task Force Officers later determined the handgun was previously reported stolen.

Gang Task Force Officers subsequently served a search warrant at a residence associated with juvenile located in the 44000 block of Palm Street in Indio. During the service of the search warrant they located a small number of Xanax pills belonging to the juvenile. The juvenile was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, juvenile in possession of a handgun, juvenile in possession of ammunition, possession of a loaded firearm and possession of controlled substance. The juvenile was booked at Juvenile Hall in Indio.

The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force is committed to creating safe and secure neighborhoods free of violent crime and gang activity. If you have any information about this crime, please contact CVVCGTF member Deputy J. Chavez at (760) 836-1600. If you have non-emergency information regarding gang activity, please use our online Gang Task Force Tip Form or call 951-922-7601.