Graffiti Directed Partially at LGBT Community

PALM SPRINGS – A 45-year-old Palm Springs resident is in custody after being arrested for felony vandalism that included graffiti, a misdemeanor hate crime, misdemeanor possession of an unloaded firearm, and the misdemeanor possession of a concealed dagger, according to a Palm Springs Department News Release.

Charinda Godakanda was later transported to the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning where he is being held.

At 12:21 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, Palm Springs Police received a call from a subject reporting he had been shot at near the intersection of Rosa Parks Road and Granada Avenue. Police responded to the area and contacted the subject who reported shots had been fired by several unknown subjects who had fled.

The subject was not struck, refused to provide any further information, and eventually left the area. While investigating the incident, PSPD did locate evidence of a shooting in the area of Bon Air Drive and Granada Avenue but did not locate any victims or witnesses.

At approximately 5:12 a.m., Police received a call of a subject stating that Desert Highland Park, located at 480 West Tramview Road, was on fire. Police arrived at the location and contacted Godakanda, who was the same person who had reported the shooting at 12:21 a.m.

There was nothing on fire and nothing damaged by fire. Police officers observed several walls on the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center building had been spray painted with graffiti. A portion of the graffiti was directed towards the LGBT community.

Police also located an unloaded shotgun and an airsoft pistol next to a shattered glass door to the building. After conducting an investigation at the scene, PSPD had probable cause to arrest Godakanda.

The Palm Springs Police Department is continuing the investigation into this incident in addition to the shooting incident. Anybody with information is asked to contact PSPD at 760-323-8116 or Valley Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP (7867).