Suspect arrested for Coachella Valley burglary spree

A Coachella man accused in a series of commercial burglaries throughout the desert was charged with seven felonies today, including burglary, assault and vandalism.

Christopher Nava, 21, is accused in burglaries out of La Quinta, Palm Desert and Bermuda Dunes, which occurred between July and November, according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday.

After obtaining a suspect and vehicle description, investigators arrested Nava on Saturday in Coachella, while sheriff’s deputies say a second unidentified suspect remains at large.

A declaration in support of increased bail alleges that Nava admitted to “committing about 20 smash and grab commercial burglaries within a two-week period,” though he was only charged in three burglaries Wednesday. He is also charged with assault with a semi-automatic firearm for allegedly pistol-whipping a man, and three counts of felony vandalism.

Sheriff’s deputies also “recovered property stolen during the burglaries” following a search warrant service at Nava’s home.

Nava, who’s being held in lieu of $200,000 bail, pleaded not guilty to
all charges Wednesday afternoon and is slated to return to court Nov. 16 for a felony settlement conference.

The outstanding suspect was described as “an unknown race male,” about 5-feet-6, with a medium build.

Anyone with information regarding the outstanding suspect or the burglaries was asked to call Investigator Ortega at the Thermal sheriff’s station at (760) 863-8990 or call Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-7867.

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