Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Paul Heredia
File # GE230250001
Details:
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 3:00 P.M. the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of documented criminal street gang members for a variety of charges to include illegal possession of firearms and narcotics. During the operation Gang Task Force Officers attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on an SUV occupied by four suspects near the 43000 block of Clinton Street in Indio. The vehicle failed to stop before crashing into a tree a short distance away. The suspects fled the vehicle on foot and two of the suspects were apprehended by Gang Task Force Officers. A semi-automatic pistol with a 33-round extended magazine was dropped at the scene by one of the fleeing suspects and recovered by Gang Task Force Officers.
Gang Task Force Officers identified a residence in the same area of the 43000 block of Clinton Street directly connected to the suspects. With the assistance of Riverside County Sheriff’s Department SWAT, a search warrant was served at the residence. During the service of the search warrant, Gang Task Force Officers located a short barrel AR-15 style rifle with multiple 30-round magazines. Also located was a 1911 .45 caliber pistol. Suspected methamphetamine and US currency was located inside the residence as well.
Gang Task Force Officers arrested Fernando Guadalupe Meza, 19 of Indio for Possession of Methamphetamine for Sales, Possession of a Short Barrel Rifle, Possession of Narcotics with a Loaded Firearm and Gang Member with a Firearm. A 17-year-old male juvenile was arrested for Gang Member with a Firearm, and Juvenile in Possession of Ammunition. Another 17-year-old male juvenile was arrested for Juvenile in Possession of Ammunition. Meza was subsequently booked at John Benoit Detention Center in Indio and the two juveniles were booked at Juvenile Hall in Indio.
The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force is committed to creating safe and secure neighborhoods free of violent crime and gang activity. If you have any information about this crime, please contact CVVCGTF member Officer Coddington or Deputy Sanchez at (760) 836-1600. If you have non-emergency information regarding gang activity, please use our online Gang Task Force Tip Form or call 951-922-7601.
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