On February 10, 2022, at 9:00 PM, Thermal Station patrol deputies responded to the 79700 block of Avenue 42, in the unincorporated area of Bermuda Dunes, in reference a 17-year-old juvenile that had been shot multiple times. The investigation revealed the juvenile was in the area attempting to sale items via a social media application. During the transaction the juvenile was shot by a Hispanic male adult who fled the scene. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital where he is recovering from his injuries. The investigation was assumed by the Thermal Station Investigations Bureau.
During the investigation, the suspect was positively identified as Raymond Vargas, 21 of Coachella. On February 18, 2022, Vargas was located in the 50200 block of Paseo Barcelona, in the city of Coachella. On February 19, 2022, at 2:00 AM, a search warrant was served in the 50200 block of Paseo Barcelona, in the city of Coachella. Vargas was taken into custody without incident. Vargas was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center, in the city of Indio.
The Thermal Station Investigations Bureau is asking anyone with additional information to contact Investigator Glasper at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station by calling (760)-863-8990.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is seeking applicants for Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff Trainee, Correctional Deputy, Sheriff’s 911 Communications Officer, and other employment opportunities such as clerical and support positions.
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