Two Juveniles Arrested in Connection to Carjacking

Both juveniles are also suspects in another carjacking that occurred in La Quinta

PALM DESERT — A 21-year-old Coachella resident who placed an ad on Facebook Messenger to sell his vehicle fell victim to a carjacking, according to Sgt. Josh Button.

He was contacted on Facebook Messenger by a juvenile who arranged to meet at the above location. Two juvenile suspects met with the victim and demanded his keys. When the victim refused, both suspects produced firearms. One suspect struck the victim several times, threatened to kill him, and again demanded his keys.

The suspects fled in the victim’s vehicle but quickly abandoned it near the 74000 block of Jeri Lane in the city of Palm Desert. The suspects left that location on foot but were arrested near Gerald Ford Dr and Shepard Lane.

Two firearms were later recovered near the area the vehicle was abandoned.

Both suspects were also identified as being involved in another carjacking that occurred in the city of La Quinta on April 11 about 12:37 a.m. The victim suffered moderate injuries and was treated and released from a local hospital. Both juveniles, age 16, were booked into juvenile hall for carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and illegally possessing firearms.

Due to the suspects’ ages, their names will not be released.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Deputy James at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station by calling 760-836-1600. Anyone with information regarding the La Quinta investigation is encouraged to contact Investigator Glasper at the Thermal Sheriff Station by calling 760-863-8950.