UPDATE One Suspect in Deputy Shooting Behind Bars

Two suspects behind bars, second suspect remains hospitalized

UPDATE: On Sunday, Oct. 22, Riverside County Sheriff’s investigators identified the second suspect of the deputy involved shooting as Kristian Galeana a 27-year-old resident of Thousand Palms. Galeana was booked in absentia at the John Benoit Detention Center on three counts of attempted murder of a peace officer; however, he remains hospitalized. The deputy also remains hospitalized and is showing improvement.

DESERT HOT SPRINGS — A 34-year-old resident of Desert Hot Springs is behind bars this morning as a suspect in a deputy-involved shooting last week that left a deputy hospitalized.

Jose Eduardo RosalesPerez was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on three counts of attempted murder of a peace officer.

On Oct. 18, 2023, at 7:08 p.m., deputies from the Riverside Sheriff’s Palm Desert Station were dispatched to the area of Ramon Road and Robert Road in the unincorporated area of Thousand Palms to locate the suspect of a felony hit and run. Deputies arrived at the area and contacted a vehicle occupied by two subjects. While detaining the driver of the vehicle, the passenger fired at deputies, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred, according to a news release. The suspect barricaded inside the vehicle and refused to follow commands. The Riverside Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau, California Highway Patrol and additional surrounding agencies responded to assist.

One deputy was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital where he remains in stable condition. The suspect, also struck by gunfire, was ultimately taken into custody. Deputies provided medical aid, and he was transported to a local hospital; he is currently in stable condition. The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody and booked on an outstanding felony warrant.

The involved deputies will be placed on paid administrative leave according to Department policy. The names of the involved deputies will also not be released at this time.

Investigators from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and the California Highway Patrol assigned to the Riverside Sheriff’s Force Investigations Detail will lead this investigation. This is an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Riverside County District Attorney Investigator Mario Moreno 951-955-9470 or Riverside County Sheriff’s Master Investigator Martin Alfaro at 760-393-3528.