Wanted suspect arrested following hour-long search in Palm Springs
A wanted suspect was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Palm Springs after fleeing from police. The chase led to an hour-long search that prompted a school to be placed on temporary lockdown.
According to Palm Springs Police Department, officers spotted Juan Ortiz walking in the area of S. Calle El Segundo and E. Ramon Road at approximately 1:45 p.m. When officers attempted to contact him, Ortiz ran away darting through several gated communities.
Police said several residents called them to report seeing Ortiz in their communities. A California Highway Patrol helicopter was called in to assist in the search and was circling overhead.
Officers arrested Ortiz in the parking lot of St. Theresa Catholic School on 455 Compadre Road, near the corner from Farrell Drive and Ramon Road.
According to police, Ortiz continued to resist arrest by fighting officers who attempted to detain him. Ortiz was finally placed into custody at 2:44 p.m.
St. Theresa's School was placed on a temporary lockdown. Police confirmed there was no danger to the public or anyone inside St. Theresa's related to this incident.