Domestic Violence Suspect Arrested and Charged with Vandalism to Patrol Vehicle
DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA — On July 28, 2026, officers with the Desert Hot Springs Police Department responded to a residential address in the 9500 block of Santa Cruz Drive following a report of a domestic violence incident. Prior to the arrival of law enforcement, the male suspect exited the residence and fled the area on foot.
Responding officers initiated a search of the surrounding neighborhood and located the suspect a short distance away. He was taken into custody without further incident and placed in the rear compartment of a patrol vehicle.
While being held inside the vehicle, the suspect moved his hand restraints from behind his back to the front of his body, unbuckled his safety belt, and inflicted physical damage to the interior of the police vehicle. Officers intervened and secured the individual to prevent further damage.
The suspect was transported to a regional detention facility and booked on charges related to domestic violence as well as felony vandalism of law enforcement property. Following an initial court appearance regarding the domestic violence allegations and the property damage, a judge set the suspect’s bail at $250,000.
