On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at approximately 12:07 am, DHSPD Police Officers responded to the 12200 block of Ocotillo Road, in Desert Hot Springs for a report of a disturbance involving a firearm.
While enroute to the call, officers were advised that a gunshot had been fired inside the residence. Officers arrived and encountered an adult male armed with a rifle standing in the front walkway of the residence. The suspect fled inside the residence and barricaded himself. Patrol officers evacuated other occupants of the home and requested assistance from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team.
The suspect was subsequently taken into custody without further incident. DHSPD Detectives responded to the scene and assumed the investigation and executed a search warrant at the residence. During the investigation, a suspected explosive device was located inside the home and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad was requested to the scene. Bomb technicians arrived and secured and removed the device without incident.
The suspect identified as Sean Benjarano (31) of Desert Hot Springs was booked and is being held at the Riverside County Jail in Indio in lieu of $1,000,000 bail. His charges include violations of Penal Code 664/187 – Attempted Murder, PC 245(a)(2) – Assault with a firearm, PC 29800(a)(1) – Felon in possession of firearm, PC 18715(a)(3) – Possession of destructive device.
Original source can be found here.