Palm Springs Police Department recently opened an investigation into an attempted robbery of a jewelry store in downtown Palm Springs.
“Witnesses say two male suspects entered the store with hammers,” the police department said in an Aug. 15 post on Facebook. “Shots were fired inside by an employee and the circumstances surrounding what led to the shooting are still under investigation.”
The police department reported the suspects fled the scene on foot, according to the Facebook post.
“It’s unknown at this time whether or not they got away with any valuables,” the police department added, according to the Facebook post.
According to authorities, the incident occurred just after 3 p.m. Aug. 15 at a store located on the 190 block of South Palm Canyon, the Facebook post reported.
Officers initiated a search of the surrounding area, but were unable to locate any suspects, the police department explained in the Facebook release. No one was injured during the robbery and shooting incident.
According to a report from KESQ, Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills reported the police department applied for a state grant which would help them respond to and prevent organized retail theft. The department applied for $4.5 million in funding.
“If we are able to get it, we will be able to help some of the businesses protect their stores better and allow us the opportunity to maybe put in technology that will allow us to catch people easier,” Mills told KESQ.
He noted the grant funding could help provide additional security technology such as advanced cameras and safety film to help keep broken windows from shattering, according to KESQ.
The police department is urging anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact the department. Information can be reported directly to the PSPD Investigations Division at 760-323-8121. Alternatively, information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 760-347-7867.
