Two Palm Springs Police Department officers were injured following a pursuit of theft suspects, PSPD said in a recent press release.
At approximately 9:54 p.m. on Tuesday, two PSPD Crime Suppression officers were patrolling the south end of Palm Springs due to several recent reports of burglaries in the area. The officers attempted a traffic stop in the vicinity of Murray Canyon Drive and South Toledo Avenue, but the driver failed to comply, and the officers engaged in a pursuit, the release said.
Eventually, the suspects' vehicle pulled down a cul-de-sac and stopped, at which point both officers exited their vehicle. One suspect got out from their vehicle's passenger side and attempted to escape on foot, according to the release. Then the suspect driving the vehicle quickly backed up and rammed the law-enforcement vehicle, pinning the officers between both vehicles. After injuring both officers, the suspect fled the scene in their vehicle, the news release said.
The pursuit continued for several more blocks before ending when the suspects' vehicle crashed into a wall at the northeast corner of Mesquite and Farrell. However, at that point, at least two suspects had fled the vehicle, according to police.
Afterward, multiple local agencies, as well as the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department helicopter "40 King", assisted in a search for the suspects, who were ultimately found and detained. A search of their vehicle revealed multiple catalytic converters, the press release said.
The injured officers were treated at a local hospital, with one officer being transported by ambulance. Said officer is reported to be in stable condition, while the other officer is expected to be released from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing.