Injured by a suspect who allegedly rammed a police car to make his escape, two Palm Springs Crime Suppression Team officers have been released from the hospital, the department posted on Facebook.
One of the officers, Sgt, Nanez, has even returned to work, while the other officer is "on the road to recovery", according to the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) on Thursday. The Facebook account went on to commend those who came to the officers' aid, including several dispatchers.
"PSPD is happy to report both of our Crime Suppression Team (CST) officers, injured Tuesday night (Dec. 20) pursuing two theft suspects, have been released from the hospital. Sgt. Nanez returned to work Wednesday, with a smile on his face," according to the post.
"Our other CST officer was released from the hospital Wednesday night and is thankfully on the road to recovery. CST Officer Arden was also on-scene, as PSPD dispatchers Griselda, Jasmine and Jen handled the call. They are the calming voice on the other end of a 9-1-1 call, and the critical link ensuring the right responders get to an emergency as fast as possible, to help people in crisis. Thank you all!" the Facebook message said.
As reported last week, two officers were injured during a vehicle pursuit Tuesday evening. The officers were patrolling the south end of the city due to several reports of burglaries in the area in recent weeks. The officers attempted to pull over a Toyota Camry at approximately 9:54 p.m. in the vicinity of Murray Canyon Drive and South Toledo Avenue; however, the driver took off, with the Camry exceeding speeds of 70-80 mph, according to the department.
During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle turned down a cul-de-sac and came to a halt, at which point both officers exited their vehicle and the suspect on the passenger side got out and ran.
The officers' injuries occurred because the suspect driving the car backed up at a high rate of speed and rammed the officers' vehicle, pinning both CST members between the police vehicle and the Camry.
According to a police department update, "The Camry hit both passenger doors of the patrol vehicle. The officers were stuck between the doors and the door frames. Both of their heads shattered each of their windows, and the interior of the rear passenger door shows damage from one of the officer’s legs."
With the help of a helicopter from the San Bernardino Police Department, both suspects were caught a short time later. The driver, identified as a 15-year-old male from Indio, has been booked into Juvenile Hall and faces felony charges including assault with a deadly weapon and evading police.
In addition, a felony arrest warrant resulted in the passenger, 63-year-old Ivory Barnes of Indio, being booked into the Indio Jail with bail set at $210,000 on charges including felony grand theft, according to the update. Police report that stolen catalytic convertors were found in the Camry.