A 19-year-old Desert Hot Springs, California, man has been arrested in connection with a gang-related mall shooting in February in Palm Desert.
The arrest on Tuesday, June 20, followed the discovery of a short-barreled rifle, ArmaLite rifle (AR-15) parts, and a high-capacity magazine during the execution of a search warrant at the teenager's home, according to a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department press release.
"The Palm Desert Investigations Bureau and Riverside County Gang Impact Team served a search warrant in the 66000 block of San Remo in Desert Hot Springs,” the release stated. “Daniel Santacroce, a 19-year-old resident of Desert Hot Springs, was arrested for his involvement in this shooting.”
Bail has been set at $1 million for Santacroce, who was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio on a charge of attempted murder, according to the release. Law enforcement officials also said Santacroce will face weapons charges.
This arrest stems from an investigation into a gang-related mall shooting that has been active since the incident took place on Feb. 2. Palm Desert Sheriff's deputies got reports of multiple shots being fired in the busy Palm Desert shopping area located on the 72-800 block of Highway 111 and responded at approximately 2 p.m., according to a Coachella Valley Times report.
Over 40 rounds were fired during the shooting, according to the report.
"Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident,” Deputy, Travis Mountz, said.
The Sheriff's Department arrested two additional suspects, residents of Adelanto, California, in March. Those suspects also face attempted murder charges. They have been booked at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning. They have been identified as 19-year-olds Allen Adams and Alexander Alvarado. On the day of the shooting, the Sheriff's Department also detained two persons of interest from Desert Hot Springs.