Latest News
Geoffrey Demke named Cal State San Bernardino's Outstanding Graduate 2024
By Coachella Valley Times | May 15, 2024
Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus has announced Geoffrey Demke as its Outstanding Graduate for 2024. A resident of Indio, Demke will receive a bachelor of arts degree in history at the CSUSB College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 17, at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.
Riverside County DA's office opposes move to declare death penalty unconstitutional
By Coachella Valley Times | May 12, 2024
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has voiced its opposition to the efforts spearheaded by the Office of the State Public Defender and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to declare the death penalty unconstitutional in California. This position was taken in response to the ongoing case, Office of the State Public Defender v. Bonta, which is currently under consideration by the California Supreme Court.
Fatal single-vehicle collision under investigation in La Quinta
By Coachella Valley Times | May 11, 2024
On May 11, 2024, at 2:25 a.m., deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a single-vehicle traffic collision near the intersection of Monroe Street and Airport Boulevard in La Quinta. Upon arrival, they discovered a white Kia sedan overturned on the sidewalk. The driver was found inside the vehicle but could not be reached by deputies.
Teenager arrested after off-highway vehicle pursuit in Perris City
By Coachella Valley Times | May 11, 2024
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 2:11 p.m., deputies from the Perris Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Teams were conducting Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enforcement in the Perris City area. During this operation, an attempt was made to stop a Polaris RZR OHV that was being ridden on a public street. However, the driver sped away and engaged in reckless driving on the public roadway, posing a risk to other drivers.
27-year-old man dies in Cathedral City: Coroner's report
By Coachella Valley Times | May 11, 2024
On May 11, 2024, David Seth Gonzales, a 27-year-old male from Cathedral City, CA, tragically lost his life. According to the Coroner's File #2024-03634, Gonzales passed away at 02:41 hours on the same day he sustained injuries. The incident occurred at Southbound Monroe Street, 412 feet south of Airport Boulevard in La Quinta.
Suspect apprehended after hit-and-run collision leads to pursuit
By Coachella Valley Times | May 10, 2024
On May 10, 2024, at approximately 1:48 p.m., deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a minor injury traffic collision near the intersection of Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive. However, before their arrival, the suspect involved in the collision had fled the scene.
Palm Desert commercial burglary suspects apprehended by local law enforcement
By Coachella Valley Times | May 10, 2024
On May 9, 2024, deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station responded to a commercial burglary report at the 74000 block of Highway 111. The victim reported that a motorcycle and firearm had been stolen from the premises. The investigation was subsequently taken over by members of the Palm Desert Burglar Suppression Unit.
Riverside County Sheriff's Office announces planned DUI checkpoint for May 24
By Coachella Valley Times | May 9, 2024
On May 24, 2024, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is set to conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint. The operation will take place from 7pm to 1am at an undisclosed location in the city of Temecula. The selection of DUI checkpoint locations is data-driven, based on areas with a high incidence of impaired driving-related crashes.
Sam Karagavoorian passes away in Palm Desert: Coroner's report
By Coachella Valley Times | May 9, 2024
Sam Karagavoorian, an 80-year-old male resident of Palm Desert, CA, tragically passed away on May 9, 2024. According to the Coroner's File #2024-03593, the time of death was recorded as 1513 hours.
Click It or Ticket" campaign encourages Californians to buckle up
By Coachella Valley Times | May 9, 2024
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Perris Station, is reminding Californians to always buckle up and ensure children are secured in the appropriate car seats during their Memorial Day travels. The reminder comes as part of this year's "Click It or Ticket" campaign, which runs from May 20 to June 2.
First detection of West Nile Virus in Coachella Valley for 2024
By Coachella Valley Times | May 9, 2024
Mosquitoes collected from a routine site in the City of Coachella have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), marking the first detection of the virus in the Coachella Valley for 2024. The infected mosquitoes were found near Genoa St. and Avenue 53.
Rep. Calvert urges Biden administration to resume weapon transfers to Israel
By Coachella Valley Times | May 8, 2024
Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) has issued a statement in response to the Biden Administration's decision to halt weapons transfers to Israel. He has called on the President to release the weapons as Israel initiates a ground offensive in Rafah.
Suspects arrested for organized retail theft in Lake Elsinore
By Coachella Valley Times | May 8, 2024
On May 7, 2024, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded to a theft at a retail store located in the 18000 block of Collier Avenue, Lake Elsinore. The suspects reportedly entered the store with large bags and began stealing high-end merchandise before fleeing in a red Hyundai Elantra.
Cinco de Mayo Holiday Enforcement Results
By Coachella Valley Times | May 6, 2024
On May 5, 2024, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office took action during ABC’s statewide Cinco De Mayo Holiday Enforcement operation in Lake Elsinore. The enforcement led to the citation of 20 individuals for municipal code violations at various locations within the city.Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Captain J. Rayls emphasized the significance of the operation, stating, "This operation is important to the city of Lake Elsinore to increase protection for youth and to hold accountable problem locations that contribute to an increase in crime."The primary goal of such...
Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation in Riverside County to Target Violations, with Funding from Traffic Safety Grant
By Coachella Valley Times | May 6, 2024
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Jurupa Valley Station, has announced that they will be conducting a Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on May 7th. The operation will see additional deputies on patrol, specifically targeting violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders.According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, the top primary crash factors for motorcycles include unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence, and unsafe lane changes. It was highlighted that speeding is the most common factor, accounting for...
DUI Checkpoint Scheduled in Eastvale, Calif. by Riverside County Sheriff's Office
By Coachella Valley Times | May 6, 2024
City of Eastvale, Calif. – On May 10, 2024, The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Jurupa Valley Station will conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM at an undisclosed location.The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints, as stated by Sergeant Ignacio Robles, is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road. Robles emphasized, "Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," and added, "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic...
Riverside County Sheriff's Office to Conduct DUI Checkpoint in Moreno Valley
By Coachella Valley Times | May 6, 2024
May 6, 2024The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in Moreno Valley has announced that they will be conducting a DUI checkpoint on May 10, 2024, from 8:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. at an undisclosed location.Deputy Julian Antonissen emphasized the importance of such checkpoints by stating, “Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk. Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”The department also highlighted that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol, as some...
Cat Burglar Arrested
By Coachella Valley Times | May 6, 2024
Rancho Mirage, CA - The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a cat burglar in the community. Michael Zibell, a 47-year-old resident of Thousand Palms, was apprehended for his involvement in a residential burglary in the Escala gated community.According to Michael Zibell, the suspect gained entry by first burglarizing the victim’s vehicle and then using the garage door opener to access the garage. The stolen items included possessions from both the vehicle and the garage.The Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team (SET) deputies were able to gather...
Tragic Incident in Blythe: Phillip Means, 61, Found Deceased at Shorty's Sports Park
By Coachella Valley Times | May 5, 2024
A man identified as Phillip Means, 61 years old, was found deceased at Shorty's Sports Park in Blythe, according to official records. The incident, documented under Coroner’s File #: 2024-03455, occurred on May 5, 2024.The Coroner's File stated, "Refer to investigating agency for further details." The document also indicated that the case status was marked as "Final."Further information regarding the circumstances surrounding Phillip Means' death was not provided in the available details.The California Highway Patrol in Indio is the agency investigating the incident...
Riverside police make more than 100 arrests in undercover drug operation
By Coachella Valley Times | May 4, 2024
The Riverside Police Department has announced that its narcotics unit's undercover drug operation, Operation "Street Sweeper", has resulted in over 100 apprehensions along the Magnolia Avenue Corridor. The operation, conducted over three days, led to arrests between Van Buren Boulevard and Pierce Street, including 44 drug dealers.