Reporting Deputy: Lieutenant Francisco Velasco
File # ZE233000002
Details:
On Friday, October 27, 2023, at 7:51 a.m., deputies and police officers with the Riverside Auto Theft Interdiction Detail located a stolen vehicle at the 79000 block of Highway 111, La Quinta. Patrol units from the city of La Quinta attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the stolen vehicle, but the vehicle fled a short distance. The driver and passenger abandoned the stolen vehicle and fled into the surrounding residential neighborhoods.
La Quinta patrol and special enforcement team deputies, with assistance from the Riverside Sheriff’s aviation unit, were able to track the driver to the backyard of a residence located in the 79000 block of Shadow Trail, La Quinta. A perimeter was established by La Quinta patrol and special enforcement team deputies. In an abundance of caution, while deputies searched for the suspects, the Riverside Sheriff’s helicopter made announcements for the residents to shelter in place until the search was complete. Working in conjunction with the Special Enforcement Bureau K9 Unit, the suspect was located hiding inside a small storage building, where he surrendered without incident.
The passenger was located outside of the perimeter and detained. The driver, Patrick Duran a 36-year-old resident of Coachella, was arrested and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for vehicle theft, felony evading, and a felony warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle. This investigation is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy Molina of the Thermal Sheriff’s Station by calling 760–863–8990. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Valley Crimestoppers at (760) 341–7867.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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