The shooting occurred here near Grace Chapel
INDIO – An armed suspect believed to have stolen a golf cart was involved in an exchange of fire with an Indio police officer, leading to his death.
On Saturday, December 5, 2015, at about 11:30 AM, the Indio Police Department received a report of a stolen golf cart. Police responded to a residence in the 49-400 block of Tidewater Drive in the city of Indio where the vehicle had reportedly been stolen. During the immediate investigation of the incident, an officer spotted a male adult matching the suspect description in the 80-900 block of Avery Way.
According to the Indio Police, the officer attempted to apprehend the suspect, quickly discovering that the suspect was in possession of a firearm. An exchange of gunfire ensued between the suspect and the officer and the suspect was hit. There were no reports regarding who shot first.
The suspect succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Today the Riverside County Coroner’s office revealed the deceased as Juan Perez, 38 years old of Indio. The involved officer was not injured during the shooting.
Indio Police requested that the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department conduct an investigation. Investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation.
Per the Indio Police Department policy, the involved officer was placed on paid administrative leave. The involved officers name is not being released at this time.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Button at the Riverside Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit (760) 393-3531.
