An assault with a deadly weapon in Palm Desert Tuesday led to the arrest of two Cathedral City teens, one of whom allegedly stalked a victim.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, deputies responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at approximately 3 a.m. on Tuesday and learned two victims had been trailed by their attackers to the 45300 block of Garden Square. Although none of the wounds were life-threatening, one one of the victims sustained a single gunshot wound to his face in addition to being struck multiple times, Sgt. Daniel Milbrandt said in a news release. While the wounded victim was transported to a local hospital, he said, no injury was inflicted on other victim, who reportedly was stalked for several weeks before the assault.
"The investigation revealed both victims were followed to the location by two suspects, 18-year-old Jorge Morales and 19-year-old Jayden Garcia, residents of Cathedral City," Milbrandt said. "Morales and Garcia were known to both victims."
Despite their alleged attempt to flee a home in the 68700 block of 33rd Avenue in Cathedral City, Morales and Garcia were outmatched as a substantial law-enforcement presence met them at the scene, including Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station patrol deputies, the Palm Desert Investigations Bureau, Palm Desert Burglary Suppression Unit and Desert Regional SWAT.
Different charges faced Morales and Garcia as they were booked at the John Benoit Detention Center. Both suspects have been charged with conspiracy, and Morales was booked for attempted murder and stalking, while Garcia is also charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Information from the public regarding this crime can be forwarded to Investigator Lugo at 760-836-1600.